Processing nonlinear multipoint constraints in the finite element method

Abstract

Abstract This paper reviews and evaluates two methods for processing nonlinear constraints. Both are based on the Lagrange multiplier technique. However, one of them, the constraint forces method, is often more efficient than the commonly used method of elimination. The two methods are evaluated by applying them to an example problem and comparing corresponding solution times. Guidelines are given for selecting the more efficient method for a given constraint problem.