Multimode Interaction in Axially Stiffened Cylindrical Shells

ABSTRACT

A number of studies show that nonlinear interaction between a shortwave local panel buckling mode and a longwave overall shell buckling mode usually causes strong imperfection sensitivity in stiffened shells. Interaction is particularly strong for simultaneous or nearly simultaneous modes. Mode interaction between two overall buckling modes, as well as interaction between two overall and one local mode, has received much less attention. The present study indicates that for certain imperfection combinations, such mode interactions are important. On the other hand, in most cases, interaction between one overall mode and one local mode governs.     

Postbuckling analysis of elastic shells of revolution considering mode switching and interaction

The postbuckling response of shells is known to exhibit complex phenomena including mode switching and interaction, particularly in the advanced postbuckling range. The existing literature contains many initial postbuckling analyses as well as advanced postbuckling analyses for a single buckling mode, but little work is available on the advanced postbuckling analysis of shells of revolution considering mode switching and interaction. In this paper, a numerical method for the advanced postbuckling analysis of thin shells of revolution subject to torsionless axisymmetric loads is presented, in which such mode switching and interaction are properly captured. Numerical results obtained using the present method for several typical problems not only demonstrate the capability of the method, but also lead to significant observations concerning the postbuckling behavior of thin shells of revolution. In particular, the results show that strong interaction between different harmonic modes may exist and the transition of deformation mode from one to another is gradual. Consequently, the conventional approach of finding the postbuckling path of a shell as the lower festoon curve of postbuckling paths of individual harmonic modes is not valid and is at best a convenient approximation.     

The Effect of Multiple Buckling Modes on the Postbuckling Behavior of Plane Elastic Frames. Part II. Asymmetric Frames

The postbuckling behavior of an asymmetric one-bay, two-storey frame with clamped edges is analyzed. Columns have different bending stiffnesses and are pairwise of the same length. By assuming columns to be inextensible and shear undeformable, and beams to be rigid, two buckling modes are possible which are described by the sidesway of the lower floor with a rigid horizontal displacement of the upper floor and a sidesway of the upper floor, the lower floor undergoing no displacement. By properly selecting the ratios EI/h² (EI being the bending stiffness of a column and h its length) the two buckling modes may occur simultaneously. A third buckling mode is also possible which is characterized by no displacement of the horizontal beams and local deflection of one or more columns in the shape of a beam with fixed edges. This third case will not be considered in this paper. The Koiter general nonlinear theory of elastic stability recast in a form convenient for the development of finite elment models along lines similar to the recent presentation by Budiansky has been employed in the analysis. Nonlinear constraints on the field variable φ (φ being the cross-section rotation) are accounted for by means of Lagrangian multipliers. Results show that the postbuckling behavior of a single buckling mode is always asymmetric unstable and depends both on the degree of asymmetry of the structure and on the ratio h/l, l being the frame span. The occurrence of simultaneous buckling modes exacerbates the imperfection sensitivity of the structure.     

On the stability of Kelvin cell foams under compressive loads

It has been previously shown that the nonlinearity exhibited in the compressive response of open cell foams is governed by cell ligament buckling. Significant insight into this behavior can be gained by idealizing such foams as periodic, space-filling Kelvin cells assigned several of the geometric characteristics of actual foams. The cells are elongated in the rise direction; the ligaments are assumed to be straight, to have Plateau border cross sections, and nonuniform cross sectional area distribution. The mechanical response of such foams can be established using models of a characteristic cell assigned appropriate periodicity conditions. The ligaments are modeled as shear deformable beams. The periodicity of this microstructure allows the use of Bloch wave theory to conduct the search for the critical state efficiently. The method tailored to the present microstructure is outlined. It is subsequently used to establish the critical states for uniaxial and a set of triaxial loadings. A rich variety of buckling modes are identified which are affected by the anisotropy and the mutliaxiality of the applied loads. Under some loadings the critical modes have long wavelengths which are shown to lead to unstable postbuckling behavior involving localization. Under other loading conditions the modes are either local to the characteristic cell or involve an assemblage of a few such cells. For the cases analyzed local modes were found to have a stable postbuckling response.     

Exact solution and stability of postbuckling configurations of beams

We present an exact solution for the postbuckling configurations of beams with fixed–fixed, fixed–hinged, and hinged–hinged boundary conditions. We take into account the geometric nonlinearity arising from midplane stretching, and as a result, the governing equation exhibits a cubic nonlinearity. We solve the nonlinear buckling problem and obtain a closed-form solution for the postbuckling configurations in terms of the applied axial load. The critical buckling loads and their associated mode shapes, which are the only outcome of solving the linear buckling problem, are obtained as a byproduct. We investigate the dynamic stability of the obtained postbuckling configurations and find out that the first buckled shape is a stable equilibrium position for all boundary conditions. However, we find out that buckled configurations beyond the first buckling mode are unstable equilibrium positions. We present the natural frequencies of the lowest vibration modes around each of the first three buckled configurations. The results show that many internal resonances might be activated among the vibration modes around the same as well as different buckled configurations. We present preliminary results of the dynamic response of a fixed–fixed beam in the case of a one-to-one internal resonance between the first vibration mode around the first buckled configuration and the first vibration mode around the second buckled configuration.     

Postbuckling Behavior of Thin-Walled Open Cross-Section Compression Members

ABSTRACT

The postbuckling behavior of simply supported columns with thin-walled open cross section is investigated by means of the general nonlinear theory of elastic stability. Fourth-order terms in the series expansion of the total potential energy are disregarded.

It is shown that interaction between linearly independent simultaneous buckling modes is responsible for neutral equilibrium at bifurcation if the column cross section has two axes of symmetry, and unstable if it has only one. If the buckling modes are not simultaneous, the equilibrium is neutral in both cases. Finally, the equilibrium at bifurcation is usually unstable if the cross section has no axis of symmetry.     

The Effect of Multiple Buckling Modes on the Postbuckling Behavior of Plane Elastic Frames. Part I. Symmetric Frames

The postbuckling behavior of a one-bay, two-storey frame with built-in edges and symmetric with respect to midspan is analyzed. Columns are assumed to be inextensible and shear-undeformable, and beams are rigid. Then two buckling modes are possible, that is, sidesway of the lower floor with rigid horizontal displacement of the top floor and sidesway of the top floor with the lower floor undergoing no displacement. Obviously, the two buckling modes occur simultaneously if the ratios EI/h⁷ (EI being the bending stiffness of a column and h its length) are properly selected. Within the framework of a Koiter-type energy approach a suitable perturbation formulation is derived from a “hybrid” functional which is obtained by adding to the potential energy certain extra terms which account for the nonlinear energy associated with the internal forces applied to the beam at the joints. Results show that the postbuckling behavior of a single buckling mode can be stable or unstable according to the value of the ratio h/l, where l is the frame span. In the case of simultaneous buckling modes the structural behavior in the postbuckling range never improves, but no severe changes are noticed in comparison with the preceding case.     

Elastic Buckling with Infinitely Many Local Modes

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT In some cases, asymptotic methods present an appealing alternative to full nonlinear analyses. In other cases, the value of an asymptotic analysis may merely be that, in a qualitative way, it can characterize the behavior of a structure. Whether an asymptotic method is applied for one or the other purpose it is of interest to attempt an estimation of its range of validity. The present paper addresses this question for an asymptotic method to predict imperfection sensitivity of elastic structures with mode interaction. The particular structure that is investigated possesses an infinity of nearly simultaneous local buckling modes. It is found that very few of these modes need to be taken into account.     

Non-linear in-plane postbuckling of arches with rotational end restraints under uniform radial loading

This paper presents a thorough and comprehensive investigation of non-linear buckling and postbuckling analyses of pin-ended shallow circular arches subjected to a uniform radial load and which have equal elastic rotational end-restraints. The differential equations of equilibrium for non-linear buckling and postbuckling are established based on a virtual work approach. Exact solutions for the non-linear bifurcation, limit point and lowest buckling loads are obtained; in particular, exact solutions for the non-linear postbuckling equilibrium paths are derived. The criteria for switching between fundamental buckling and postbuckling modes are developed in terms of critical values of a geometric parameter for an arch, with exact solutions for these critical values of geometric parameter being obtained. Analytical solutions of non-linear buckling and postbuckling problems for arches with rotational end-restraints are of great interest, since they constitute one of the very few closed-form analyses of buckling and postbuckling behaviour of continuous structural systems. These exact solutions are a contribution to the non-linear structural mechanics of arches, as well as providing useful benchmark solutions for verifying non-linear numerical analyses.     

Koiter circles in the buckling of axially compressed conical shells

As is well known, the elastic stability of shell structures under certain loading conditions is characterised by a severely unstable postbuckling behaviour. The presence of simultaneous buckling modes (‘competing’ modes corresponding to the same critical buckling load) is deemed to be largely responsible for such a behaviour. In the present paper, within the framework of the so-called classical theory (linear bifurcation eigenvalue analysis), the buckling behaviour of axially compressed cylindrical shells is firstly reviewed. Accordingly, doubly periodic eigenvectors (buckling modes) corresponding to the same eigenvalue (critical buckling load) can be determined, and their locus in a dimensionless meridional and circumferential buckling wavenumber space is described by a circle (known as the Koiter circle). In the case of axially compressed conical shells, no clear evidence of the existence of simultaneous buckling modes can be found in the literature. Then, such a problem is studied here via linear eigenvalue finite element analyses, showing that simultaneous doubly periodic modes do also occur for cones, and that their locus in a specifically defined dimensionless wavenumber space can be described by an ellipse (hereafter termed as the Koiter ellipse) whose aspect ratio is dependent on the tapering angle of the cone.     

Buckling of a beam subjected to electromagnetic force and its stabilization by controlling the perturbation of the bifurcation

For a beam subjected to electromagnetic force, magnetoelastic buckling due to the increase of such force is theoretically investigated by taking account of the nonlinearity of the electromagnetic force and the elastic force of the beam. Using Liapunov-Schmidt method and center manifold theory, the equilibrium space, the bifurcation set and the bifurcation diagram are theoretically derived. Also, the effect of the higher modes other than the buckling mode on the mode shape of the postbuckling state is discussed. Furthermore, a control method to stabilize the magnetoelastic buckling is proposed, and the unstable equilibrium state of the beam in the postbuckling state, i.e., the straight position of the beam, is stabilized by controlling the perturbation of the bifurcation.     

Secondary buckling of an elastic column with spring-supports at clamped ends

Summary The postbuckling behavior of an elastic column with spring supports of equal stiffness of extensional type at both clamped ends is studied. Attention is focused on those of spring stiffnesses near the critical value at which, under axial load, the column becomes critical with respect to two buckling modes simultaneously. By using the Liapunov-Schmidt-Koiter approach, we show that there are precisely two secondary bifurcation points on each primary postbuckling state for the spring stiffness greater than the critical value. The bifurcation takes place at one of the two least buckling loads. The corresponding secondary postbuckling states connect all the secondary bifurcation points in a loop. For the spring stiffness less than the critical value, no secondary bifurcation occurs. Asymptotic expansions of the primary and secondary postbuckling states are constructed. The stability analysis indicates that the primary postbuckling state for the spring stiffness greater than the critical value is bifurcating from the first buckling load and becomes unstable from a stable state via the secondary bifurcation, i.e., secondary buckling occurs. Received 22 April 1997; accepted for publication 22 December 1997     

Thermo-piezoelectric effects on the postbuckling of axially-loaded hybrid laminated cylindrical panels

IntroductionCompositelaminatedcylindricalpanelhasbeenusedextensivelyasastructuralconfiguration,mainlyintheaerospaceindustry .Oneoftherecentadvancesinmaterialandstructuralengineeringisinthefieldofsmartstructureswhichincorporatesadaptivematerials.Bytakingadvantageofthedirectandconversepiezoelectriceffects,piezoelectriccompositestructurescancombinethetraditionalperformanceadvantagesofcompositelaminatesalongwiththeinherentcapabilityofpiezoelectricmaterialstoadapttotheircurrentenvironment.Therefore…     

Thermomechanical postbuckling of composite laminated cylindrical shells with local geometric imperfections

The effect of local geometric imperfections on the buckling and postbuckling of composite laminated cylindrical shells subjected to combined axial compression and uniform temperature loading was investigated. The two cases of compressive postbuckling of initially heated shells and of thermal postbuckling of initially compressed shells are considered. The formulations are based on a boundary layer theory of shell buckling, which includes the effects of the nonlinear prebuckling deformation, the nonlinear large deflection in the postbuckling range and the initial geometric imperfection of the shell. The analysis uses a singular perturbation technique to determine buckling loads and postbuckling equilibrium paths. Numerical examples are presented that relate to the performances of cross-ply laminated cylindrical shells with or without initial local imperfections, from which results for isotropic cylindrical shells follow as a limiting case. Typical results are presented in dimensionless graphical form for different parameters and loading conditions.     

ANALYSIS ON BUCKLING AND POSTBUCKLING OF DELAMINATION IN 3D COMPOSITES

In this paper, the problem of axisymmetric buckling and postbuckling of a circular thin-film delamination bridged by through-thickness fiber tows in 3D composites is presented. An iterativeprocedure based on Taylor's series expansion is used to generate a family of nondimensionalized post-buckling solutions of the above problem by yon Karman's nonlinear plate theory. Attention is fo-cused, herein, on the effects of the bridge force of through-thickness fibers on the buckling and post-buckling behavior of the delamination. It is found that fiber bridge not only increases the ability of re-sisting delamination buckling and postbuckling, but also brings on the jump of the delamination deflec-tion mode during the postbuckling phase. Consequently the behavior of the composite structure with de-lamination is greatly improved, such as increasing the residual strength and prolonging the service life.     

Buckling and postbuckling behavior of half-loaded shallow spherical shells

Applying the Galerkin procedure to Marguerre's shallow shell equations, reasonably accurate solutions are obtained for the buckling and postbuckling behavior of clamped shallow spherical shells subjected to external pressure distributed over half the surface.For the geometrical parameter λ smaller than 4.5, the half-loaded shells do not buckle. The buckling loads for 6 ≦ λ ≦ 15 lie about 17–30% below those of uniformly loaded shells. However, the lowest loads after buckling are higher than those for uniformly loading. As λ keeps increasing, the buckling mode shows more and more waves along the circumferential direction. The amplitude of the asymmetrical deflection component Δ₁ becomes remarkably large immediately after buckling. After passing the postbuckling lowest equilibrium point, the sinusoidal deflection disappears and the deflection is changed such that only one location on the shell surface, including the non-loaded area, has been deflected almost symmetrically. The effects of initial imperfections are not so great as for the uniformly loaded case.     

Edge-compression fixture for buckling studies of corrugated board panels

A test fixture, developed for evaluating the preand postbuckling response of simply supported, nearly flat, rectangular corrugated board panels subjected to edge compression is evaluated. The test fixture enables loading of panels into the postbuckling regime until collapse. The shadowmoiré method verified that buckling in the first mode occurred, and that there was symmetry of the adge-boundary conditions. Through an iterative regression model, experimental curves of load versus out-of-plane displacement for isotropic panels were fitted to an equation governing the nonlinear postbuckling response. This method provides the critical buckling load, a postbuckling parameter and the amplitude of initial imperfection of the panel. Comparison with analytical results revealed that simply supported boundary conditions were closely achieved. Examination of compressively loaded corrugated board panels showed that collapse occurred due to compressive failures of the facings in the highly stressed edge regions without severe influence from stress concentrations at load introduction and edge supports.     

Thermomechanical Postbuckling of Imperfect Moderately Thick Plates on Nonlinear Elastic Foundations*

ABSTRACT

A postbuckling analysis is presented for a moderately thick rectangular plate subjected to combined axial compression and uniform temperature loading, and resting on a softening nonlinear elastic foundation. The cases of (1) thermal postbuckling of initially compressed plates and (2) compressive post-buckling of initially heated plates are considered. The initial geometrical imperfections of the plates are taken into account. Formulations are based on Reissner-Mindlin plate theory, considering first-order shear deformation effects, and including plate-foundation interaction and thermal effects. The analysis uses a deflection-type perturbation technique to determine buckling loads and postbuckling equilibrium paths. Numerical examples include the performance of perfect and imperfect, moderately thick plates resting on softening nonlinear elastic foundations. Typical results are presented in dimensionless graphical form.     

Postbuckling and imperfection sensitivity of fixed-end and free-end struts on elastic foundation

Summary A study of the postbuckling and imperfection sensitivity of fixed-end and free-end struts on a Winkler elastic foundation is carried out. The configuration and stability of the postbuckling paths bifurcating from the critical points are analysed. For the most part of foundation stiffness, the corresponding postbuckling paths are shown to be falling with respect to load and be unstable. This indicates that, for almost all values of foundation stiffness, the buckling loads of the struts will be sensitive to imperfections. We also obtain imperfection sensitivity of the struts with respect to geometric imperfections having the shape of buckling modes. Received 30 October 1998, accepted for publication 30 March 1999