Linear Complementary Equation Method Applied in the Load Response of Cable-Strut Systems

Abstract

In this paper, the drawbacks of the Newton iteration method are analyzed. Then the Linear Complementary Equation (LCE) method is introduced into the cable-strut system to cope with the “retiring” problem of elements under load. The corresponding variants of the function of zero-stress and the flow factor of zero-stress are invented to represent the characteristics of cables and struts retiring from functioning. The derivation process is given in detail and its efficiency is proved by case studies. The LCE method has overcome all the drawbacks of the iteration method, because its computation process is non-conditionally stable, and its step length can be determined at about 1/5 of the given load value for all cases to ensure accuracy. It is novel method for studying the load response of cable-strut systems.

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