Buckling and post-buckling of long pressurized elastic thin-walled tubes under in-plane bending

The present paper focuses on the structural stability of long uniformly pressurized thin elastic tubular shells subjected to in-plane bending. Using a special-purpose non-linear finite element technique, bifurcation on the pre-buckling ovalization equilibrium path is detected, and the post-buckling path is traced. Furthermore, the influence of pressure (internal and/or external) as well as the effects of radius-to-thickness ratio, initial curvature and initial ovality on the bifurcation moment, curvature and the corresponding wavelength, are examined. The local character of buckling in the circumferential direction is also demonstrated, especially for thin-walled tubes. This observation motivates the development of a simplified analytical formulation for tube bifurcation, which considers the presence of pressure, initial curvature and ovality, and results in closed-form expressions of very good accuracy, for tubes with relatively small initial curvature. Finally, aspects of tube bifurcation are illustrated using a simple mechanical model, which considers the ovalized pre-buckling state and the effects of pressure.     

Stability of long transversely-isotropic elastic cylindrical shells under bending

The present paper investigates buckling of cylindrical shells of transversely-isotropic elastic material subjected to bending, considering the nonlinear prebuckling ovalized configuration. A large-strain hypoelastic model is developed to simulate the anisotropic material behavior. The model is incorporated in a finite-element formulation that uses a special-purpose “tube element”. For comparison purposes, a hyperelastic model is also employed. Using an eigenvalue analysis, bifurcation on the prebuckling ovalization path to a uniform wrinkling state is detected. Subsequently, the postbuckling equilibrium path is traced through a continuation arc-length algorithm. The effects of anisotropy on the bifurcation moment, the corresponding curvature and the critical wavelength are examined, for a wide range of radius-to-thickness ratio values. The calculated values of bifurcation moment and curvature are also compared with analytical predictions, based on a heuristic argument. Finally, numerical results for the imperfection sensitivity of bent cylinders are obtained, which show good comparison with previously reported asymptotic expressions.     

Localization and propagation of curvature under pure bending in steel tubes with Lüders bands

The paper examines the plastic bending of steel tubes exhibiting Lüders bands through a combination of experiments and analyses. In pure bending experiments on tubes with diameter-to-thickness ratio of 18.8 tested under end-rotation control, following the elastic regime the moment initially traced a somewhat ragged plateau. At the beginning of the plateau Lüders bands appeared on the tension and compression sides of the cross section and simultaneously the curvature localized in one or two short zones while the rest of the tube maintained a much lower curvature. As the rotation of the ends was increased, one of the higher curvature zones spread at a nearly steady rate, affecting an increasingly larger part of the tube. When the whole tube was deformed to the higher curvature, the moment started to gradually increase while the tube deformed uniformly. A moment maximum was eventually attained and the structure failed by localized diffuse ovalization without any apparent effect from the initial Lüders bands-induced propagating instability. The problem was analyzed using 3D finite elements with a fine mesh. The material was modeled as an elastic–plastic solid with an up–down–up response over the extent of the Lüders strain, followed by hardening. The calculated response reproduced all major structural events observed experimentally including the initiation of the Lüders deformation, the moment plateau that followed, its extent, and the curvature localization and propagation associated with it. As in the experiments, once the high curvature extended over the whole tube length, the response of the tube became stable and the curvature uniform. With further bending the increasing ovalization induced a limit moment at a very high curvature.     

Yield anisotropy effects on buckling of circular tubes under bending

Relatively thin-walled tubes bent into the plastic range buckle by axial wrinkling. The wrinkles initially grow stably but eventually localize and cause catastrophic failure in the form of sharp local kinking. The onset of axial wrinkling was previously established by bifurcation analyses that use instantaneous deformation theory moduli. The curvatures at bifurcation were predicted accurately, but the wrinkle wavelengths were consistently longer than measured values. The subject is revisited with the aim of resolving this discrepancy. A set of new bending experiments is conducted on aluminum alloy tubes. The results are shown to be in line with previous ones. However, the tubes used were found to exhibit plastic anisotropy, which was measured and characterized through Hill’s quadratic anisotropic yield function. The anisotropy was incorporated in the flow theory used for prebuckling and postbuckling calculations as well as in the deformation theory used for bifurcation checks. With the anisotropy accounted for, calculated tube responses are found to be in excellent agreement with the measured ones while the predicted bifurcation curvatures and wrinkle wavelengths fall in line with the measurements also. The postbuckling response is established using a finite element model of a tube assigned an initial axisymmetric imperfection with the calculated wavelength. The response develops a limit moment that is followed by a sharp kink that grows while the overall moment drops. The curvature at the limit moment agrees well with the experimental onset of failure. From parametric studies of the various instabilities it is concluded that, for optimum predictions, anisotropy must be incorporated in both bifurcation buckling as well as in postbuckling calculations.     

Postbuckling instability of nonlinear nanobeam with geometric imperfection embedded in elastic foundation

In this paper, the static instability of a nanobeam with geometrical imperfections that is embedded in elastic foundation is investigated. Size-dependent effect is included in the nonlinear model. It is argued that nonlocal parameter may render the nanobeam initially unstable. Static response is studied and the condition for instability is stated. The exact postbuckling solution for both the straight and curved nanobeam is presented. It is shown that the bifurcation diagram of a curved nanobeam with initial sinusoidal configuration is similar to that of a straight nanobeam in its nearest buckling mode. The results are verified with pervious relevant works on straight nanobeams and classical theory of curved beams and excellent agreement is shown.     

Buckling life estimation of circular tubes under cyclic bending

In this paper, an experimental investigation of the degradation and buckling of circular tubes subjected to cyclic bending is discussed. The machinery specimens (with different diameter-to-thickness ratios but the same inside diameter) and method of testing (cyclic bending) in this study were the same as the ones used by Lee et al. (Lee, K.L., Pan, W.F., Kuo, J.N., 2001. The influence of the diameter-to-thickness ratio on the stability of circular tubes under cyclic bending. International Journal of Solids and Structures 38, 2401–2413.) for 316L stainless steel circular tubes. The experimental investigation was extended to different outside and inside diameters of the same circular tubes subjected to cyclic bending. Based on the experimental findings, the empirical formulation proposed by Lee et al. (2001) was modified so that it can now be used to simulate the relationship between the prescribed curvature and the number of cycles necessary to produce buckling. In addition, it was found that the experimental curve of the ovalization and the number of cycles necessary to produce buckling could be divided into three stages – an initial, secondary and tertiary stage. An empirical relationship, similar to the Bailey–Norton creep formulation, was proposed for simulating the aforementioned curve for the initial and secondary stages in this study. The derived empirical relationship was in good agreement with the experimental data.     

Length dependence of critical measures in single-walled carbon nanotubes

This paper presents an investigation on the buckling behaviour of single-walled carbon nanotubes under various loading conditions (compression, bending and torsion) and unveils several aspects concerning the dependence of critical measures (axial strain, bending curvature and twisting angle) on the nanotube length. The buckling results are obtained by means of an atomistic-scale generalized beam theory (GBT) that incorporates local deformation of the nanotube cross-section by means of independent and orthogonal deformation modes. Moreover, some estimates are also obtained by means of non-linear shell finite element analyses using Abaqus code. After classifying the buckling modes of thin-walled tubes (global, local and distortional), the paper addresses the importance of the two-wave distortional mode (flattening or ovalization mode) in their structural behaviour. Then, the well known expression to determine the critical strain of compressed nanotubes, which is based on Donnell theory for shallow shells, is shown to be inadequate for moderately long tubes due to warping displacements appearing in the distortional buckling modes. After that, an in-depth study on the buckling behaviour of nanotubes under compression, bending and torsion is presented. The variation of the critical kinematic measures (axial strain, bending curvature and twisting angle) with the tube length is thoroughly investigated. Concerning this dependence, some uncertainties that exist in the specific literature are meticulously explained, a few useful expressions to determine critical measures of nanotubes are proposed and the results are compared with available data collected from several published works (most of them, obtained from molecular dynamics simulations).     

A Curvature-ovalization measurement apparatus for circular tubes under cyclic bending

In this paper, the authors report the design and construction of a new measurement apparatus, along with the result of its testing. This apparatus can be placed at the midspan of the circular tube specimen and is suitable for simultaneous experimental determinations of the tube curvature and ovalization of the tube cross section. For testing the newly designed apparatus, the tube specimen of AISI 304 stainless steel was bent cyclically. It has been shown that the actual curvature and ovalization of the circular tube subjected to bending can be directly measured by the apparatus.     

Interactive buckling of an inflated envelope under mechanical and thermal loads

This paper elucidates the interactive buckling behaviors of an inflated envelope under coupled mechani-cal and thermal loads, especially the longitudinal wrinkling bifurcation and hoop ovalization buckling. The longitudi-nal bending buckling process of the inflated envelope can be divided into three continuous stages, which are global buckling, interactive global-local buckling, and kink. A vari-ety of hoop ovalization buckling modes are observed under coupled mechanical-thermal load. Unlike the mechanical case, thermal load leads to a hoop negative ovalization buck-ling. In addition, it can accelerate the longitudinal coupled bifurcation and resist the hoop coupled ovalization buckling. Moreover, the bending resistance of the inflated envelope will be improved when the length of the structure is increased, resulting in the difficulty of it to become wrinkled. These results provide a new insight into the buckling behaviors of an inflated envelope under coupled external loads, and give a reference for the design of the inflated envelope.     

The nonlinear dynamics of elastic tubes conveying a fluid

The Kirchhoff equations for elastic tubes are modified to include the effect of fluid flow. Using the techniques of linear and nonlinear analysis specially developed for the Kirchhoff equations, the effect of the fluid flow on the basic twist-to-writhe instability is investigated. The results suggest an intriguing modification of the bifurcation threshold due to the flow. Beyond threshold the buckled tube acquires a slight curvature which modifies the flow rate and results in a correction to nonlinearity of the amplitude equation governing the deformation dynamics.     

Localized buckling in sandwich struts with pre-existing delaminations and geometrical imperfections

A recent model for the nonlinear structural response of compression sandwich struts is developed further to account for pre-existing face-core delaminations and initial imperfections in the strut geometry. Whilst the pre-existing delaminations only take effect after the critical bifurcation for overall (Euler) buckling, it is found that the secondary instability associated with localized buckling occurs earlier than for the initially perfectly bonded strut. More severe instabilities can also be promoted by superimposing geometric imperfections. In combination with delamination, the practical structural response can be highly unstable.     

Compound Bifurcations in the Buckling of a Delaminated Composite Strut

An analysis of the buckling and post-buckling of a delaminated composite strut is presented using a simple 4 degree of freedom nonlinear Rayleigh–Ritz formulation. Bifurcation analysis indicates that instability occurs in general at an asymmetric point of bifurcation. Depending on the depth of delamination both thin-film and overall buckling can occur in the post-buckling range, the transition being seen at a point of secondary bifurcation. For certain combinations of parameters this becomes a stellar bifurcation, associated with a double eigenvalue, where there are three possible subsequent routes for the post-buckling. The method used is fast and reliable and can be readily extended to modelling a composite with several layers.     

Static buckling appraisal of an echinodome

The buckling behavior of an underwater shell of revolution structure of optimum form—an echinodome—is examined under axisymmetric and symmetric point loads both experimentally and theoretically. For the concentrated loadings, experimental predictions of critical buckling are based on the Southwell technique and a possible alternative method is suggested. Bifurcation and nonlinear collapse buckling analyses are described theoretically. Within the bifurcation investigation both linear and nonlinear approaches are included. The effects of base fixity on the instability of the structure are considered. Comparisons are made with earlier external-pressure loading effects and the relative significance of the two forms of loading are discussed.     

On the effect of Lüders bands on the bending of steel tubes. Part II: Analysis

Part II of this study presents a modeling framework that is shown to successfully simulate all aspects of the inhomogeneous bending of tubes associated with Lüders banding reported in Part I. The structure is discretized with solid finite elements using a mesh that is fine enough for Lüders bands to develop and evolve. The material is modeled as a finitely deforming, J₂ type, elastic–plastic solid with an “up–down–up” response over the extent of the Lüders strain, followed by hardening. Regularization of the solution was accomplished by introducing a mild rate dependence of the material. Simulation of the rotation controlled bending experiments confirmed most of the experimental observations and revealed additional details of the localization. Thus, the initial uniform-curvature elastic regime terminates with the nucleation of localized banded deformation on the tensioned and compressed sides of the tube. The bands appear in pockets that propagate into the hitherto intact part of the structure while the moment remains essentially unchanged. The tube develops two curvature regimes; a relatively high curvature in the Lüders deformed section and a low curvature in the unaffected one. Simultaneously, the plasticized zone develops higher ovalization and wrinkles with a wavelength that corresponds to the periodicity of the banded pockets. For tubes with lower D/t and/or shorter Lüders strain the higher curvature eventually spreads to the whole structure at which point homogenous bending resumes. For tubes with higher D/t and/or longer Lüders strain the localized curvature, ovalization, and wrinkle amplitude are larger and cannot be sustained; the tube collapses prematurely leaving behind part of its length essentially undeformed. For every tube D/t there exists a threshold of Lüders strain separating the two types of behavior. This bounding value of Lüders strain was studied parametrically.     

On the effect of Lüders bands on the bending of steel tubes. Part I: Experiments

In several practical applications hot-finished steel pipe that exhibits Lüders bands is bent to strains of 2–3%. Lüders banding is a material instability that leads to inhomogeneous plastic deformation in the range of 1–4%. This work investigates the influence of Lüders banding on the inelastic response and stability of tubes under rotation controlled pure bending. Part I presents the results of an experimental study involving tubes of several diameter-to-thickness ratios in the range of 33.2–14.7 and Lüders strains of 1.8–2.7%. In all cases the initial elastic regime terminates at a local moment maximum and the local nucleation of narrow angled Lüders bands of higher strain on the tension and compression sides of the tube. As the rotation continues the bands multiply and spread axially causing the affected zone to bend to a higher curvature while the rest of the tube is still at the curvature corresponding to the initial moment maximum. With further rotation of the ends the higher curvature zone(s) gradually spreads while the moment remains essentially unchanged. For relatively low D/t tubes and/or short Lüders strains, the whole tube eventually is deformed to the higher curvature entering the usual hardening regime. Subsequently it continues to deform uniformly until the usual limit moment instability is reached. For high D/t tubes and/or materials with longer Lüders strains, the propagation of the larger curvature is interrupted by collapse when a critical length is Lüders deformed leaving behind part of the structure essentially undeformed. The higher the D/t and/or the longer the Lüders strain is, the shorter the critical length. Part II presents a numerical modeling framework for simulating this behavior.     

Studies of nonlinear deformation and stability of oval and elliptic cylindrical shells under axial compression

The stability of noncircular shells, in contrast to that of circular ones, has not been studied sufficiently well yet. The publications about circular shells are counted by thousands, but there are only several dozens of papers dealing with noncircular shells. This can be explained on the one hand by the fact that such shells are less used in practice and on the other hand by the difficulties encountered when solving problems involving a nonconstant curvature radius, which results in the appearance of variable coefficients in the stability equations. The well-known solutions of stability problems were obtained by analytic methods and, as a rule, in the linear approximation without taking into account the moments and nonlinearity of the shell precritical state, i.e., in the classical approximation. Here we use the finite element method in displacements to solve the problem of geometrically nonlinear deformation and stability of cylindrical shells with noncircular contour of the transverse cross-section. We use quadrilateral finite elements of shells of natural curvature. In the approximations to the element displacements, we explicitly distinguish the displacements of elements as rigid bodies. We use the Lagrange variational principle to obtain a nonlinear system of algebraic equations for determining the unknown nodal finite elements. We solve the system by a step method with respect to the load using the Newton-Kantorovich linearization at each step. The linear systems are solved by the Kraut method. The critical loads are determined with the use of the Silvester stability criterion when solving the nonlinear problem. We develop an algorithm for solving the problem numerically on personal computers. We also study the nonlinear deformation and stability of shells with oval and elliptic transverse cross-section in a wide range of variations in the ovalization and ellipticity parameters. We find the critical loads and the shell buckling modes. We also examine how the critical loads are affected by the strain nonlinearity and the ovalization and ellipticity of shells.     

扁化效应对弯曲段套管抗挤强度的影响对比分析

针对弯曲段套管抗挤强度随井眼曲率变化规律问题，利用材料力学理论将弯曲段套管等价为均布载荷作用下的弯曲梁模型，根据拉梅厚壁筒理论和强度理论得到套管抗挤强度公式．借鉴扁化变形在圆管类结构中的研究思路，将其拓展到套管抗挤强度分析，对比分析是否考虑扁化效应下四种规格套管不同井眼曲率下的抗外挤强度．研究表明，套管轴向应力随井眼曲率基本呈线性变化；套管抗挤强度随井眼曲率的增加非线性下降．井眼曲率为2o/30 m时，是否考虑套管扁化变形得到的5 1/2"×10.54 mm P110套管抗挤强度误差为12.8 %；井眼曲率为12o/30 m时，误差46.9 %．井眼曲率为2o/30 m时，4 1/2"×9.65 mm TP140V套管抗挤强度误差11.9 %；井眼曲率为12o/30 m时，误差44.7 %．可见，考虑扁化变形后套管抗挤强度小于未考虑扁化变形情况；井眼曲率不大时，两种算法的差距较小，随着井眼曲率的增加，套管扁化变形对套管抗挤强度的影响不能忽略．     

Bifurcation of the Curved Panel in Supersonic Air Flow

采用Galerkin方法建立了超音速气流中二维曲壁板的非线性热气动弹性运动方程。用von Karman大变形理论来考虑曲壁板的大变形。用准定常的一阶活塞理论模拟曲壁板上表面受到的气动力。在不同来流速压和温升条件下,基于分岔理论研究了具有不同初始几何曲率的曲壁板系统对应的定常状态方程（组）的解的个数、性态和动态稳定性,并对方程（组）进行了解曲线的跟踪分析。研究表明,不同条件下,方程组的解特性不同,并且随着初始几何曲率和温升条件的变化,系统的失稳机理发生变化。超音速气流中的二维曲壁板系统存在动态Hopf分岔和静态鞍－结点分岔两种失稳现象,但不会发生热屈曲失稳。     

曲壁板在超音速气流中的分岔特性

采用Galerkin方法建立了超音速气流中二维曲壁板的非线性热气动弹性运动方程。用von Karman大变形理论来考虑曲壁板的大变形。用准定常的一阶活塞理论模拟曲壁板上表面受到的气动力。在不同来流速压和温升条件下,基于分岔理论研究了具有不同初始几何曲率的曲壁板系统对应的定常状态方程（组）的解的个数、性态和动态稳定性,并对方程（组）进行了解曲线的跟踪分析。研究表明,不同条件下,方程组的解特性不同,并且随着初始几何曲率和温升条件的变化,系统的失稳机理发生变化。超音速气流中的二维曲壁板系统存在动态Hopf分岔和静态鞍－结点分岔两种失稳现象,但不会发生热屈曲失稳。      

Nonlinear deformation and stability of oval cylindrical shells under combined loading

A study is made of the stability of cylindrical shells of oval cross section loaded by a shear force combined with torsional and bending moments. The variational method of finite elements in displacements is used. The subcritical stress-strain state of the shells is considered momental and nonlinear. The effects of the nonlinearity of shell deformation and shell ovalization on the critical load and buckling mode are determined. __________ Translated from Prikladnaya Mekhanika i Tekhnicheskaya Fizika, Vol. 49, No. 1, pp. 134–138, January–February, 2008.