NOSA

NOSA (NOn-Linear Structural Analysis) is a finite element code for non-linear structural analysis. The development of NOSA began in 1980 and has continued over the ensuing years along the research lines of the MMS Lab. The first version of the code included plane, three-dimensional and axisymmetric isoparametric elements and allowed for elastic-plastic analyses in the presence of infinitesimal strains. The code has subsequently been extended to include cases of finite strains and contact problems, based on studies performed on both the constitutive equations and the methods for numerical integration of the equations of motion, in the presence of follower forces. At the same time, an eight-node thin-shell element was added to the element library. Subsequently, the constitutive equation for masonry-like materials has been added to the code with the purpose of studying the static of masonry solids and modelling restoration and strengthening operations on constructions of particular architectural interest. The code was then enhanced to be able to perform non-linear heat-conduction analysis on solids even in the non-stationary case, with boundary conditions concerning temperature and thermal fluxes. Today, the code allows for thermo-mechanical analysis of no-tension solids whose mechanical characteristics depend on temperature, in the presence of thermal loads.