An Improved Linear Complementarity Solver for the Dynamic Analysis of Blast Loaded Structures

The linear complementarity problem (LCP) approach, expedited by using the simple rigid–plastic theory, has been utilized successfully in predicting the numerical response of the ductile steel or concrete structures subjected to short_duration, high-intensity dynamic loads. The current study attempts to improve the computational stability of this powerful technique while determining the response of skeletal structures under blast loading. The performance of the Lemke LCP solver is amplified by introducing an automatic time-stepping scheme to efficiently trace the complex dynamic response using either lumped mass or continuous mass discretization. The computational efficiency of this solver is tested against carefully chosen three numerical examples, and the acquired results are in good agreement with the derived closed-form solution and results from other sources.