The Effects of Initial Curvature and Other Parameters on the Nonlinear Buckling of Simple Frames*

In this investigation a nonlinear variational analysis is performed on a simple two-bar frame with initially crooked bars that is subjected to an eccentrically applied load at its joint. The influence of crookedness may be detrimental or beneficial, depending on the manner of design of the frame. It is also found that for some critical value of crookedness, the frame does not buckle elastically. Moreover, it is shown that for some characteristic values of the length ratio and moment of inertia ratio of the two bars, the load-carrying capacity of the frame becomes maximum. Finally, the combined effect of the aforementioned parameters is discussed