1. Linear analysis is a case where the Load - Displacement response is linear.

That is, the

Stiffness matrix remains a constant throughout the Simulation. There is a Linear
relationship between the applied forces and the response of the system. In addition to
the Stiffness matrix being constant, it is enough if the Stiffness matrix is calculated
only once. When the Stiffness matrix keeps on changing, it gives rise to a Non Linear
Simulation. In addition to the stiffness matrix being non - constant, it has to be calculated
multiple times in the course of the non linear analysis.
2. Principle of Superposition is possible in Linear analysis and not possible in Non Linear
analysis.
3. Non Linear analysis is solved by Newton Raphson technique and it requires multiple
iterations in each incrementation to arrive at a converged result. Each Non Linear
Iteration is comparable to a complete Linear analysis in cost.
4. You can use a Fixed or Automatic time incrementation scheme for Linear analysis cases.
But, you can only use a Automatic time incrementation scheme for non linear analysis. It
is not mandatory but it is beneficial.