Imperfection sensitive variation of critical loads at hilltop bifurcation point

Variation of critical loads due to initial imperfections at the hilltop bifurcation point is described by elastic stability theory. We derive a system of bifurcation equations for a potential system expressing local behavior at this bifurcation point, which is a double critical point occurring as a coincidence of a simple pitchfork bifurcation point and a limit point. The piecewise linear law of imperfection sensitivity of critical loads in Thompson and Schorrock J. Mech. Phys. Solids 23 (1975) 21] is revised by extending initial imperfections to be considered in the bifurcation equations. Based on this sensitivity law, a procedure to determine the most influential (worst or optimum) initial imperfection is formulated. As the most essential development of this paper, under the assumption that initial imperfections are subject to a multi-variate normal distribution, we derive the probability density function of critical loads that follows a Weibull-like distribution. The validity of theoretical developments is assessed through its application to elastic truss structures.