Computability in non-linear solid mechanics

The computability of non-linear problems in solid and structural mechanics problems is examined. Several factors which contribute to the level of difficulty of a simulation are discussed: the smoothness and stability of the response, the required resolution, the uncertainties in the load, boundary conditions and initial conditions and inadequacies and uncertainties in the constitutive equation. An abstract measure of the level of difficulty is proposed, and some examples of typical engineering simulations are classified by this measure. We have put particular emphasis on engineering calculations, where many of the factors that diminish computability play a prominent role. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.