1. Introduction

The aim of this document is to help the user to solve a problem of mechanical or thermo-hydro-mechanical evolution, in a semi-static manner, of a non-linear structure, via the operator STAT_NON_LINE. A detailed presentation of the algorithm of this operator is given in its theoretical documentation [R5.03.01].

The 3 main types of nonlinearities are as follows:

• non-linearity linked to the behavior of the material (for example plastic);

• nonlinearity linked to geometry (for example in large displacements);

• non-linearity related to contact friction.

In the 2nd part of this document, we detail the main tools available to help the convergence of calculations and improve the quality of the results. The following sections are devoted to tips for use. In the 3rd part, we give general advice, common to the 3 types of nonlinearities. In the 4th, 5th and 6th parts, we give advice dedicated to each of the 3 types of nonlinearities: materials, then geometric and finally contact friction. These tips refer to the tools mentioned in part 2.