Maxwell's reciprocal theorem

[Keneng99]

Because Maxwells proof is based purely on energy, am I correct in assuming that his theorem applies to non linear structures?
i ask the question because so much discussion on previous threads appears to assume that linear elastic behaviour is a pre requisite to the application of the theory

 

[Ron]

The concept of elasticity is based on linearity. Maxwell's theorem is defined only in the elastic region....otherwise one if its basic tenets, superposition, wouldn't work.

So no...it is not defined for non-linear conditions.