Stability of slender beams and frames resting on 2D elastic half-space

Making use of a mixed variational formulation based on the Green function of the substrate, which assumes as independent fields the structure displacements and the contact pressure, a simple and efficient finite element-boundary integral equation coupling method is derived and applied to the stability analysis of beams and frames resting on an elastic half-plane. Slender Euler–Bernoulli beams with different combinations of end constraints are considered. The examples illustrate the convergence to the existing exact solutions and provide new estimates of the buckling loads for different boundary conditions. Finally, nonlinear incremental analyses of rectangular pipes with compressed columns and free or pinned foundation ends are performed, showing that pipes stiffer than the soil may exhibit snap-through instability.     

Critical buckling loads of the perfect Hollomon's power-law columns

In this work, we present analytic formulas for calculating the critical buckling states of some plastic axial columns of constant cross-sections. The associated critical buckling loads are calculated by Euler-type analytic formulas and the associated deformed shapes are presented in terms of generalized trigonometric functions. The plasticity of the material is defined by the Hollomon's power-law equation. This is an extension of the Euler critical buckling loads of perfect elastic columns to perfect plastic columns. In particular, critical loads for perfect straight plastic columns with circular and rectangular cross-sections are calculated for a list of commonly used metals. Connections and comparisons to the classical result of the Euler–Engesser reduced-modulus loads are also presented.     

Analytical solution for buckling of asymmetrically delaminated Reissner’s elastic columns including transverse shear

The exact analytical solution of buckling in delaminated columns is presented. In order to investigate analytically the influence of axial and shear strains on buckling loads the geometrically exact beam theory is employed with no simplification of the governing equations. The critical forces are then obtained by the linearized stability theory. In the paper, we limit the studies to linear elastic columns with a single delamination, but with arbitrary longitudinal and vertical asymmetry of delamination and arbitrary boundary conditions. The studies of quantitative and qualitative influence of transverse shear are shown in detail and extensive results for buckling loads with respect to delamination length, thickness and longitudinal position are presented.     

Buckling and post-buckling of extensible rods revisited: A multiple-scale solution

An exact non-linear formulation of the equilibrium of elastic prismatic rods subjected to compression and planar bending is presented, electing as primary displacement variable the cross-section rotations and taking into account the axis extensibility. Such a formulation proves to be sufficiently general to encompass any boundary condition. The evaluation of critical loads for the five classical Euler buckling cases is pursued, allowing for the assessment of the axis extensibility effect. From the quantitative viewpoint, it is seen that such an influence is negligible for very slender bars, but it dramatically increases as the slenderness ratio decreases. From the qualitative viewpoint, its effect is that there are not infinite critical loads, as foreseen by the classical inextensible theory. The method of multiple (spatial) scales is used to survey the post-buckling regime for the five classical Euler buckling cases, with remarkable success, since very small deviations were observed with respect to results obtained via numerical integration of the exact equation of equilibrium, even when loads much higher than the critical ones were considered. Although known beforehand that such classical Euler buckling cases are imperfection insensitive, the effect of load offsets were also looked at, thus showing that the formulation is sufficiently general to accommodate this sort of analysis.     

Buckling analysis of functionally graded arbitrary straight-sided quadrilateral plates on elastic foundations

As a first endeavor, the buckling analysis of functionally graded (FG) arbitrary straight-sided quadrilateral plates rested on two-parameter elastic foundation under in-plane loads is presented. The formulation is based on the first order shear deformation theory (FSDT). The material properties are assumed to be graded in the thickness direction. The solution procedure is composed of transforming the governing equations from physical domain to computational domain and then discretization of the spatial derivatives by employing the differential quadrature method (DQM) as an efficient and accurate numerical tool. After studying the convergence of the method, its accuracy is demonstrated by comparing the obtained solutions with the existing results in literature for isotropic skew and FG rectangular plates. Then, the effects of thickness-to-length ratio, elastic foundation parameters, volume fraction index, geometrical shape and the boundary conditions on the critical buckling load parameter of the FG plates are studied.     

Post-buckling of cantilever columns having variable cross-section under a combined load

Post-buckling of a cantilever column is examined under a combined load consisting of a tip-concentrated load and a distributed axial load, through dynamic formulation. The formulation of the problem is based on the moment–curvature relationship. The two-point boundary value problem described by the governing equations is dependent on the frequency parameter and the two load parameters. The buckling loads are those loads at which the eigencurve, namely, the load versus frequency curve of the column meets the load axis. A simple and reliable iterative procedure to convert the two-point boundary value problem into an initial value problem is followed and solved the non-linear differential equations utilizing a fourth-order Runge–Kutta integration scheme. To demonstrate the potentiality of the adopted numerical scheme, linear vibration frequencies of truncated, tapered cantilever wedges and cones are determined and compared with the published analytical and test results. Buckling and post-buckling loads of a simply supported stepped column are obtained and compared with the published test results. The loads and deflections of non-uniform cantilever columns are obtained for various slopes at the tip. The interaction of load parameters for a free–free truncated conical column has also been examined. The numerical results indicate that the path represented by the two load parameters turns out to be nearly a straight line.     

The effect of transverse shear deformation on the buckling of two-layer composite columns with interlayer slip

This paper presents an efficient mathematical model for studying the buckling behavior of geometrically perfect elastic two-layer composite columns with interlayer slip between the layers. The present analytical model is based on the linearized stability theory and is capable of predicting exact critical buckling loads. Based on the parametric analysis, the critical buckling loads are compared to those in the literature. It is shown that the discrepancy between the different methods can be up to approximately 22%. In addition, a combined and an individual effect of pre-buckling shortening and transverse shear deformation on the critical buckling loads is studied in detail. A comprehensive parametric analysis reveals that generally the effect of pre-buckling shortening can be neglected, while, on the other hand, the effect of transverse shear deformation can be significant. This effect can be up to 20% for timber composite columns, 40% for composite columns very flexible in shear (pyrolytic graphite), while for metal composite columns it is insignificant.     

The unilateral contact buckling problem of continuous beams in the presence of initial geometric imperfections: An analytical approach based on the theory of elastic stability

An analytical method for the treatment of the elastic buckling problem of continuous beams with intermediate unilateral constraints is presented, which is based on the fundamental theory of elastic stability. The study focuses on the unilateral contact buckling problem of beams in the presence of initial geometric imperfections. The mathematical Euler approach, based on the fundamental solution of the boundary value problem of the buckling of continuous beams, is appropriately modified in order to take into account the unilateral contact conditions. Furthermore, in order the obtained analytical solutions to be applicable for practical design cases, the actual strength of the cross-section of the beam under combined compression and bending is considered. The implementation of the proposed method is demonstrated through a characteristic example.     

Buckling analysis of two layer delaminated beams with bridging

Stitching has been used as through-thickness reinforcement to reduce the effects of delamination. In stitching, the delamination will be held by stitches in the form of crack/interface bridging. In the present work, the reinforcement of stitching threads is assumed to provide continuous linear restoring tractions opposing the delamination opening. A generalized mathematical model is developed to study the buckling analysis of two layer delaminated beams with bridging by using Rayleigh–Ritz energy method. The delaminated beam is analyzed as four interconnected beams using the delamination as their boundary. Lagrange multipliers are used to enforce the boundary and continuity conditions between the junctions of the interconnected beams. The developed mathematical model is solved as an eigenvalue problem in which the lowest eigenvalue gives the buckling load. Effective-bridging modulus, a new nondimensionalized parameter, is introduced to study the influence of bridging on the delamination buckling. It is shown that bridging strongly influences the buckling load of the delaminated beams and a monotonic relation is observed between the buckling load and the effective-bridging modulus. Parametric studies in terms of delamination sizes and locations along spanwise and thicknesswise positions on the buckling load have been carried out. The bridging is found to be effective for shallow delaminations of moderate length, and for deep and long delaminations. Spanwise positions of delamination strongly influence the buckling loads. In addition, an analytical model for obtaining upper bounds of the buckling load is developed by using Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. Effective-slenderness ratio, a new nondimensionalized parameter is defined and it is found to be controlling the buckling mode configurations, i.e., local, global and mixed modes.     

Buckling analysis of sandwich plates with FGM face sheets resting on elastic foundation with various boundary conditions: an analytical approach

This paper presents an analytical investigation on the buckling analysis of symmetric sandwich plates with functionally graded material (FGM) face sheets resting on an elastic foundation based on the first-order shear deformation plate theory (FSDT) and subjected to mechanical, thermal and thermo-mechanical loads. The material properties of FGM face sheets are assumed to be graded in the thickness direction according to a simple power law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents. The core layer is still homogeneous and made of an isotropic material. An analytical approach is used to reduce the governing equations of stability and then solved using an analytical solution which is named as power series Frobenius method for symmetric sandwich plates with six different boundary conditions. A detailed numerical study is carried out to examine the influence of the plate aspect ratio, side-to-thickness ratio, loading type, sandwich plate type, volume fraction index, elastic foundation coefficients and boundary conditions on the buckling response of FGM sandwich plates. This has not been done before and serves to fill the gap of knowledge in this area.     

Bending and stability analysis of gradient elastic beams

The problems of bending and stability of Bernoulli–Euler beams are solved analytically on the basis of a simple linear theory of gradient elasticity with surface energy. The governing equations of equilibrium are obtained by both a combination of the basic equations and a variational statement. The additional boundary conditions are obtained by both variational and weighted residual approaches. Two boundary value problems (one for bending and one for stability) are solved and the gradient elasticity effect on the beam bending response and its critical (buckling) load is assessed for both cases. It is found that beam deflections decrease and buckling load increases for increasing values of the gradient coefficient, while the surface energy effect is small and insignificant for bending and buckling, respectively.     

Exact buckling solution for two-layer Timoshenko beams with interlayer slip

This paper deals with the buckling behavior of two-layer shear-deformable beams with partial interaction. The Timoshenko kinematic hypotheses are considered for both layers and the shear connection (no uplift is permitted) is represented by a continuous relationship between the interface shear flow and the corresponding slip. A set of differential equations is obtained from a general 3D bifurcation analysis, using the above assumptions. Original closed-form analytical solutions of the buckling load and mode of the composite beam under axial compression are derived for various boundary conditions. The new expressions of the critical loads are shown to be consistent with the ones corresponding to the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, when transverse shear stiffnesses go to infinity. The proposed analytical formulae are validated using 2D finite element computations. Parametric analyses are performed, especially including the limiting cases of perfect bond and no bond. The effect of shear flexibility is particularly emphasized.     

Structural response of pyramidal core sandwich columns

An experimental and analytical investigation is carried out to examine the in-plane compressive response of pyramidal truss core sandwich columns. The identified failure mechanisms include Euler buckling, shear buckling and face wrinkling. The operative mechanism is dependent on the properties of the bulk material and geometry of the sandwich columns and analytical formulae are derived for each of these modes. Failure maps are constructed for sandwich columns made from an elastic ideally-plastic material and AISI 304 stainless steel which has a strongly strain hardening response. Pyramidal core sandwich columns made from 304 stainless steel have been designed using these mechanism maps and the measured responses are compared with the analytical predictions. Finally, optimal single layer and multi-layer pyramidal sandwich column designs that minimize the weight for a given load carrying capacity are calculated using the developed analytical models for the failure of the sandwich columns. The results demonstrate that pyramidal core sandwich columns outperform the currently used hat-stiffened column design.     

Buckling optimization of flexible columns

A novel approach to the optimization of flexible columns against buckling is presented. Previous published studies, considering either continuous or discrete finite element models, are always constrained to specific relations between stiffness and mass distributions of the column. These, besides yielding impractical configurations that do not conform to manufacturing and production requirements, result in designs that are certainly suboptimal. The present model formulation considers columns that can be practically made of uniform segments with the true design variables defined to be the cross-sectional area, radius of gyration and length of each segment. Exact structural analysis is performed, ensuring the attainment of the absolute maximum critical buckling load for any number of segments, type of cross section and type of boundary conditions. Detailed results are presented and discussed for clamped columns having either solid or tubular cross-sectional configurations, where useful design trends have been recommended for optimum patterns with two, three and more segments. It is shown that the developed optimization model, which is not restricted to specific properties of the cross section, can give higher values of the critical load than those obtained from constrained-continuous shape optimization. In fact, the model has succeeded in arriving at the global optimal column designs having the absolute maximum buckling load without violating the economic feasibility requirements.     

Post-buckling analysis of slender elastic rods subjected to terminal forces

This paper presents formulation and solutions for the elastica of slender rods subjected to axial terminal forces and boundary conditions assumed hinged and elastically restrained with a rotational spring. The set of five first-order non-linear ordinary differential equations with boundary conditions specified at both ends constitutes a complex two-point boundary value problem. Solutions for buckling, initial post-buckling (perturbation), large loads (asymptotic) and numerical integration are developed. Results are presented in non-dimensional graphs for a range of rotational spring stiffness, tuning the analysis from double-hinged to hinged-built-in rods.     

Theoretical analysis on elastic buckling of nanobeams based on stress-driven nonlocal integral model

Several studies indicate that Eringen’s nonlocal model may lead to some inconsistencies for both Euler-Bernoulli and Timoshenko beams, such as cantilever beams subjected to an end point force and fixed-fixed beams subjected a uniform distributed load. In this paper, the elastic buckling behavior of nanobeams, including both EulerBernoulli and Timoshenko beams, is investigated on the basis of a stress-driven nonlocal integral model. The constitutive equations are the Fredholm-type integral equati...     

Analytical solution to a mixed boundary value elastic problem of a roller-guided panel of laminated composite

This study presents an analytical solution to elastic field in a roller-guided panel of symmetric cross-ply laminated composite material. The mixed boundary value two-dimensional plane stress elasticity problem is formulated in terms of a single displacement potential function. This reduces the problem to the solution of a single fourth order partial differential equation of equilibrium as the other equilibrium equation is satisfied automatically. The solution is obtained in terms of an infinite Fourier series. To present some numerical results, a panel of glass/epoxy laminated composite is considered and different components of stress and displacement at different sections of the panel are presented graphically. To justify the present analytical solution, it is compared with the finite element solution obtained by using the commercial software ANSYS. It is found that the two solutions agree well with each other. This ensures that the formulation developed in this study based on the displacement potential approach can be used to obtain analytical solution of an elastic field in structural elements of laminated composite under any mode of boundary conditions prescribed in terms of either stress, displacement or any combination of these.     

Post-buckling analysis of slender elastic vertical rods subjected to terminal forces and self-weight

This article presents the behavior of slender elastic rods subjected to axial terminal forces and self-weight. The mathematical formulation is presented, a solution is sought for a double-hinged boundary condition and the analysis is carried out for different values of non-dimensional weight. The formulation derives from geometrical compatibility, equilibrium of forces and moments and constitutive relations yielding a set of six first order non-linear ordinary differential equations with boundary conditions specified at both ends, which characterizes a complex two-point boundary value problem. Furthermore, a perturbation method is used to find the critical buckling loads and initial post-buckling solutions. A numerical integration scheme based on a three parameter shooting method is employed in the post-buckling solutions.     

Exact solution of the multi-cracked Euler–Bernoulli column

The use of distributions (generalized functions) is a powerful tool to treat singularities in structural mechanics and, besides providing a mathematical modelling, their capability of leading to closed form exact solutions is shown in this paper. In particular, the problem of stability of the uniform Euler–Bernoulli column in presence of multiple concentrated cracks, subjected to an axial compression load, under general boundary conditions is tackled. Concentrated cracks are modelled by means of Dirac’s delta distributions. An integration procedure of the fourth order differential governing equation, which is not allowed by the classical distribution theory, is proposed. The exact buckling mode solution of the column, as functions of four integration constants, and the corresponding exact buckling load equation for any number, position and intensity of the cracks are presented. As an example a parametric study of the multi-cracked simply supported and clamped–clamped Euler–Bernoulli columns is presented.     

Stability of sandwich plates by mixed,higher-order analytical formulation

A unified mixed, higher-order analytical formulation has been presented in this paper to predict general buckling as well as wrinkling of a general multi-layer, multi-core sandwich plate having any arbitrary sequence of stiff layers and cores. Assumptions of thin stiff layers and anti-plane core, which are usually made in the analysis of sandwiches, have been eliminated in the present formulation. Displacements as well as the transverse stress continuities have been enforced in the formulation by incorporating them as the degrees-of-freedom. The modal transverse stresses have been obtained directly as eigen vectors and thus their separate calculations have been advantageously avoided. Two sets of mixed models have been proposed on the basis of individual layer as well as equivalent single layer (ESL) theories by selectively incorporating non-linear components of Green’s strain tensor. Solutions from the models have been shown to be in excellent agreement with the available three-dimensional elasticity solutions as well as with the available experimental results. It has been demonstrated that the ESL theories cannot accurately evaluate the overall buckling as well as the wrinkling loads of sandwiches. Limitations of the typical simplifying assumptions have also been highlighted.