A numerical analysis of contact and limit-point behavior in a class of problems of finite elastic deformation

Finite element methods for the analysis of bifurcations, limit-point behavior, and unilateral frictionless contact of elastic bodies undergoing finite deformation are presented. Particular attention is given to the development and application of Riks-type algorithms for the analysis of limit points and exterior penalty methods for handling the unilateral constraints. Applications focus on the problem of finite axisymmetric deformations, snap-through, and inflation of thick rubber spherical shells.