An asymptotic-numerical method to compute bifurcating branches

In this paper a new method to compute the bifurcating branches for an elastic structure is presented. The method is based on the asymptotic-numerical method (ANM), that is a perturbation technique to solve problems in non-linear mechanics. Herein, we present a computing strategy to find the bifurcation points and the post-buckling branches in the framework of the ANM. Some examples are also given, which prove the effectiveness of the proposed method. A discussion of the results and of the open problems ends the paper. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.