Buckling of thin flat-walled structures by a spline finite strip method

A method of buckling analysis of thin flat-walled structures of finite length subjected to longitudinal compression and bending, transverse compression as well as shear is described. The analysis uses the spline finite strip method and allows for boundary conditions other than simply supported ends as required in the semi-analytical finite strip method of buckling analysis.Convergence studies with increasing numbers of section knots are described for plates in compression, bending and shear, and for long columns with different support conditions subjected to compression. A buckling analysis of a stiffened plate subjected to compression and shear is compared with results from a finite element analysis.     

Finite strip elastic buckling solutions for thin-walled metal columns with perforation patterns

Approximate finite strip eigen-buckling solutions are introduced for local, distortional, flexural, and flexural-torsional elastic buckling of a thin-walled metal column with perforation patterns. These methods are developed to support a calculation-based strength prediction approach for steel pallet rack columns employing the American Iron and Steel Institute׳s Direct Strength Method, however they are generally posed and could also be useful in structural studies of thin-walled thermal or acoustical members made of steel, aluminum, or other metals. The critical elastic global buckling load including perforations is calculated by reducing the finite strip buckling load of the cross-section without perforations using the weighted average of the net and gross cross-sectional moment of inertia along the length of the member for flexural (Euler) buckling, and for flexural-torsional buckling, using the weighted average of both the torsional warping and St. Venant torsional constants. For local buckling, a Rayleigh–Ritz energy solution leads to a reduced thickness stiffened element equation that simulates the influence of decreased longitudinal and transverse plate bending stiffness caused by perforation patterns. The cross-section with these reduced thicknesses is input into a finite strip analysis program to calculate the critical elastic local buckling load. Local buckling at a perforation is also treated with a net section finite strip analysis. For distortional buckling, a reduced thickness equation is derived for the web of an open cross-section to simulate the reduction in its transverse bending stiffness caused by perforation patterns. The approximate elastic buckling methods are validated with a database of 1282 thin shell finite element eigen-buckling models considering five common pallet rack cross-sections featuring web perforations that include 36 perforation dimension combinations and twelve perforation spacing combinations.     

Inelastic local buckling of curved plates with or without thickness-tapered sections using finite strip method

This paper addresses the inelastic local buckling of the curved plates using finite strip method in which buckling modes and displacements of the curved plate are calculated using sinusoidal shape functions in the longitudinal direction and polynomial functions in the transverse direction. A virtual work formulation is employed to establish the stiffness and stability matrices of the curved plate whilst the governing equations are then solved using a matrix eigenvalue problem. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed finite strip model is verified with finite element model using ABAQUS as well as the results reported elsewhere while a good agreement is achieved. In order to illustrate the proposed model, a comprehensive parametric study is performed on the steel and aluminium curved plates in which the effects of curvature, the length of the curved plate as well as circumferential boundary conditions on the critical buckling stress are investigated. The developed finite strip method is also used to determine the buckling loads of the curved plates with thickness-tapered sections as well as critical stresses of the aluminium cylindrical sectors that are subjected to uniform longitudinal stresses.     

Analyses of distortional buckling of cold-formed sigma purlins using EN1993-1-3

This technical note presents a study on the calculation of the critical stress of distortional buckling of cold-formed sigma purlins using EN1993-1-3. The discussion is focussed on the determination of the spring stiffness of the stiffened element, a problem which has not yet been addressed in most design codes. Different support conditions at both the tension and compression ends of the web are employed and their influences on the critical stress of distortional buckling of sigma purlins are investigated. Comparison with finite strip analysis indicates that the model having a fixed support for the tension end and a roller support for the compression end of the web provides the best fit to the finite strip analysis.     

Buckling mode decomposition of single-branched open cross-section members via finite strip method: Derivation

This paper provides the first detailed presentation of the derivation for a newly proposed method which can be used for the decomposition of the stability buckling modes of a single-branched, open cross-section, thin-walled member into pure buckling modes. Thin-walled members are generally thought to have three pure buckling modes (or types): global, distortional, and local. However, in an analysis the member may have hundreds or even thousands of buckling modes, as general purpose models employing shell or plate elements in a finite element or finite strip model require large numbers of degrees of freedom, and result in large numbers of buckling modes. Decomposition of these numerous buckling modes into the three buckling types is typically done by visual inspection of the mode shapes, an arbitrary and inefficient process at best. Classification into the buckling types is important, not only for better understanding the behavior of thin-walled members, but also for design, as the different buckling types have different post-buckling and collapse responses. The recently developed generalized beam theory provides an alternative method from general purpose finite element and finite strip analyses that includes a means to focus on buckling modes which are consistent with the commonly understood buckling types. In this paper, the fundamental mechanical assumptions of the generalized beam theory are identified and then used to constrain a general purpose finite strip analysis to specific buckling types, in this case global and distortional buckling. The constrained finite strip model provides a means to perform both modal identification relevant to the buckling types, and model reduction as the number of degrees of freedom required in the problem can be reduced extensively. Application and examples of the derivation presented here are provided in a companion paper.     

Elastic buckling analysis of perforated thin-walled structures by the isoparametric spline finite strip method

This paper presents the application of the isoparametric spline finite strip method to the elastic buckling analysis of perforated folded-plate structures. The general theory of the isoparametric spline finite strip method is introduced. The kinematics assumptions, strain–displacement and constitutive relations of the Mindlin plate theory are described and applied to the spline finite strip method. The corresponding matrix formulation is utilised in the equilibrium and stability equations to derive the stiffness and stability matrices. A number of numerical examples of flat and folded perforated plate structures illustrate the applicability and accuracy of the proposed method.     

屈曲约束钢板剪力墙约束板研究(I)——理论模型与刚度需求

首先基于薄板小挠度理论,给出了两边连接钢板剪力墙(两对边固支两对边自由)几何边界条件和内力边界条件的挠曲面函数近似表达式,然后利用瑞 利—里兹法得到钢板剪力墙的弹性屈曲承载力,并借助于有限元分析方法,得到其屈曲系数的简化计算公式。同时,通过考虑弹塑性屈曲的影响,以及芯板 的削弱、约束板与芯板非连续接触等因素,对屈曲系数的计算公式作进一步修正,最终确定了约束板的刚度需求设计公式。     

Vibration and buckling of thin-Walled structures by a new finite strip

This paper presents the application of a new finite strip to the analysis of folded-plate structures. The displacement function of a flat shell finite strip is made up of two parts, namely, the two in-plane displacement interpolations and the out-of-plane displacement interpolation. Each of the three displacement components is interpolated by a set of computed shape functions in the longitudinal direction and, as usual, one-dimensional shape functions in the transverse direction. Only standard beam shape functions are involved in the longitudinal computed shape functions. When compared with other finite strips, the present finite strip is relatively simple in dealing with boundary and internal support conditions. In addition, the method can be easily implemented by incorporating a standard finite strip program with a continuous-beam program. The computation of the stiffness matrix involves no numerical integration. To verify the accuracy and efficiency of the new finite strip, a few numerical experiments are conducted in which the present finite strip results are compared with those using other finite strips and/or finite elements for the vibration and buckling of folded-plate structures with varying complexity.     

基于板-梁理论的桁架拱整体稳定分析

桁架拱结构因其受力性能良好,大范围应用于桥梁及大跨度建筑结构。取桁架拱单一节间为研究对象,基于抗扭刚度等效原则,将腹杆等效为腹板。基于板-梁理论求得桁架拱节间的平面外抗弯、抗扭以及翘曲刚度。选取9个不同跨径比的桁架拱,建立有限元模型,验证了简支桁架拱在轴压和纯弯两种不同工况条件下的整体屈曲情况。轴压状态下桁架拱一阶屈曲计算承载力与有限元分析承载力平均误差1.18%,最高误差3.50%。纯弯状态下平均误差0.21%,最高误差4.54%,证明了求得的桁架拱截面等效方法及截面参数的正确性,可为工程实践提供可靠的计算方法。     

Influence of weld stiffness on buckling strength of laser-welded web-core sandwich plates

This paper investigates the influence of weld rotation stiffness on the global bifurcation buckling strength of laser-welded web-core sandwich plates. The study is carried out using two methods, the first is the equivalent single-layer theory approach solved analytically for simply supported plates and numerically for clamped plates. First-order shear deformation theory is used. The second method is the three-dimensional model of a sandwich plate solved with finite element method. Both approaches consider the weld through its rotation stiffness. The weld rotation stiffness affects the transverse shear stiffness. Plates are loaded in the web plate direction. Four different cross-sections are considered. Weld stiffness is taken from experimental results presented in the literature. The results show a maximum of 24% decrease in buckling strength. The strength was affected more in plates with high reduction of transverse shear stiffness and high bending stiffness. Furthermore, clamped plates were influenced more than simply supported. The intersection between buckling modes shifted towards higher aspect ratios, in the maximum case by 24%. The results show the importance of considering the deforming weld in buckling analysis.     

基于扁壳理论的半解析有限条法用于冷弯构件的屈曲分析

提出了一种基于Marguerre的扁壳理论的有限条法。现有的大多数半解析有限条法都是基于基尔霍夫和Mindlin的板理论。在本文中,该板理论可以被视为扁壳理论的特殊情况。数值分析结果证实了基于扁壳理论的有限条法的有效性。     

Lateral stiffness of steel plate shear wall systems

The accuracy of the finite element method and strip method of analysis for calculating the lateral stiffness of steel plate shear wall (SPSW) systems is assessed by making comparisons with experimental findings. Comparisons revealed that while both methods provide acceptable accuracy, they also require the generation of sophisticated computer models. In this paper, two alternative methods are developed. The first one is an approximate hand method based on the deep beam theory. The classical deep beam theory is modified in the light of parametric studies performed on restrained thin plates under pure shear and pure bending. The second one is a computer method based on the truss analogy. Stiffness predictions using the two alternative methods are found to compare well with the experimental findings. In addition, lateral stiffness predictions of the alternate methods are compared against the solutions provided using finite element and strip methods of analysis for a class of test structures. These comparisons reveal that the developed methods provide estimates with acceptable accuracy and are simpler than the traditional analysis techniques.     

Improving strength and ductility of continuous composite plate girder bridges

The ultimate load carrying capacity of continuous composite plate girder bridges is usually limited by the local buckling failure of steel girders at interior supports. This paper presents a simple reinforcement method which changes the failure mechanism of the continuous girder from local buckling to formation of plastic hinges at the interior supports and mid-span. Such a change in failure mechanism greatly improves the strength and ductility of the superstructure. In this method the compressive portion of the web near the interior support is braced against local buckling by bolting pairs of stiff bracing elements on opposite sides of the web. The bracing elements prevent local buckling failure of the support section and create a section which can rotate inelastically at plastic moment allowing the second hinge to form at mid-span. The bracing elements may be plates or longitudinal stiffeners which should be designed to remain elastic while the section undergoes plastic deformation. The behavior of plate girders which are reinforced by such bracing elements is studied using nonlinear finite element analyses.     

Shear-flexible thin-walled element for composite I-beams

A shear-flexible finite element based on an orthogonal Cartesian coordinate system is developed for the flexural and buckling analyses of thin-walled composite I-beams with both doubly and mono-symmetrical cross-sections. Using the first-order shear deformable beam theory, the derived element includes both the transverse shear and the restrained warping induced shear deformations. Governing equations are derived from the principle of minimum total potential energy. Three different types of finite elements, namely, linear, quadratic and cubic elements are developed to solve the governing equations. The geometric stiffness for the buckling analysis of axially loaded, thin-walled composite beams is developed. The resulting linearized buckling problem is solved using a shifted inverse iteration algorithm. A parametric study of the effects of the aspect ratio and the fibre orientation on the tip displacement is presented. The convergence of the elements is also investigated. The elastic buckling loads for mono- and doubly-symmetric I-beam cross-sections are compared with other results available in the literature and with solutions using shell elements in a commercially available finite element program.     

Linear elastic isoparametric spline finite strip analysis of perforated thin-walled structures

This paper describes the application of the isoparametric spline finite strip method to the linear elastic analysis of tri-dimensional perforated folded plate structures. The general theory of the isoparametric spline finite strip method is introduced. Kinematics assumptions and the procedure for combining in-plane (membrane) and bending effects are set out. Particular attention is paid to the procedure for rotating the stiffness matrix and load vector from local to global coordinates. The reliability of the method is demonstrated by comparisons with finely meshed finite element analysis results. Square stiffened perforated plates in compression and bending are analysed.     

Coupled static and dynamic buckling of thin walled beam by spline finite element

For the coupled static and dynamic buckling of thin walled beam subjected to various forces, such as axial force, uniform bending moment, and bending moment due to concentrated and distributed lateral forces, the spline finite element method is employed to obtain the dynamic stiffness matrix. Second order effects of the axial force and moment are considered. A doubly symmetric cantilever beam with uniform cross-section is investigated. Extensive static and dynamic interaction diagrams are plotted. The effects of warping rigidity, torsional rigidity, axial tension and compression on moment buckling, moment on axial buckling compression, higher buckling modes are discussed in detail. The spline finite element method is proved to be very efficient for the present problem and many interaction diagrams can be plotted easily. Some new results are presented. The methodology is based on finite element formulation and therefore it can be easily extended to analyze structural frames.     

交叉加劲钢板深梁弹性屈曲分析

以交叉加劲钢板深梁为研究对象,利用有限元软件ANSYS分析其弹性屈曲性能,讨论了抗弯刚度比、跨高比、钢板深梁厚度对其弹性屈曲性能的影响;考虑钢板深梁在钢框架的弯剪受力特性,根据板的经典理论建立了交叉加劲钢板深梁屈曲荷载计算公式,提出了等效屈曲系数。结果表明:交叉加劲钢板深梁的临界屈曲荷载随抗弯刚度比增大而增大,但达到门槛刚度比后,增大幅度急剧减小,得到门槛刚度比约为10;临界屈曲荷载随跨高比和板厚的减小而减小,等效屈曲系数随板厚减小而增大;等效屈曲系数与跨高比关系曲线由二次抛物线形向波浪形渐变,交叉加劲钢板深梁受力特性由剪切主导向弯曲主导过渡。     

Thermal buckling analysis of rectangular microplates using higher continuity p-version finite element method

In this article, thermal buckling characteristics of rectangular flexural microplates (FMP) subjected to uniform temperature are investigated using higher continuity p-version finite element framework. Invariant form of the governing equation for a microplate with non-local effects based on “modified couple stress theory” is extended for thermal buckling analysis of FMP by considering the strain gradient effects. In this case, the constitutive equation for strain gradient model is based on one constant. Galerkin weak form of the governing equation is derived and subsequently solved for a variety of boundary conditions using higher continuity p-version finite elements to extract critical thermal buckling loads. The computational procedure is verified by comparing its predictions to those of the classical theory and analytic microplate studies that are based on the same strain gradient model. Investigations indicate that length scale parameter affects the computed flexural stiffness of a plate, and the effect is directly proportional to the value of gradient coefficient considered for that plate. Hence, there is a strong influence of length scale parameter on value of the thermal buckling load. Depending on boundary conditions and value of length scale parameter used in numerical experiments, the classical plate model severely underestimates (up to 90%) the thermal buckling load for microplates. Therefore, it is concluded and strongly suggested that the classical plate theory should not be used to predict structural response of microplates.     

Thermal buckling analysis of rectangular microplates using higher continuity p-version finite element method

In this article, thermal buckling characteristics of rectangular flexural microplates (FMP) subjected to uniform temperature are investigated using higher continuity p-version finite element framework. Invariant form of the governing equation for a microplate with non-local effects based on “modified couple stress theory” is extended for thermal buckling analysis of FMP by considering the strain gradient effects. In this case, the constitutive equation for strain gradient model is based on one constant. Galerkin weak form of the governing equation is derived and subsequently solved for a variety of boundary conditions using higher continuity p-version finite elements to extract critical thermal buckling loads. The computational procedure is verified by comparing its predictions to those of the classical theory and analytic microplate studies that are based on the same strain gradient model. Investigations indicate that length scale parameter affects the computed flexural stiffness of a plate, and the effect is directly proportional to the value of gradient coefficient considered for that plate. Hence, there is a strong influence of length scale parameter on value of the thermal buckling load. Depending on boundary conditions and value of length scale parameter used in numerical experiments, the classical plate model severely underestimates (up to 90%) the thermal buckling load for microplates. Therefore, it is concluded and strongly suggested that the classical plate theory should not be used to predict structural response of microplates.     

Lateral-distortional buckling of tee-section beams

A fine element method that incorporates plate behaviour is developed for modelling the lateral-distortional buckling of tee-section beams. The method is shown to agree well with independent buckling results for tee-beams. Since relatively few elements are needed to obtain satisfactory convergence, the method is efficient computationally. The finite element analysis is used to study the elastic distortional buckling of tee-beams of practical geometry under moment gradient. The disparities found between the elastic flexural-torsional and distortional buckling moments are discussed.