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This paper proposes a new type of buckling-restrained braces (BRBs), namely shuttle-shaped buckling-restrained braces (SS-BRBs). The proposed SS-BRB is composed of a circular steel tube as the inner core, and a shuttle-shaped thin-walled steel tube as the external restraining member. The space between them is filled by a steel-plate isolation system. The shuttle-shaped restraining member of the SS-BRB significantly improves load-carrying efficiency and saves material in its strength design. Moreover, the SS-BRB is more aesthetically appealing and can be utilized as an exposed BRB in long-span or spatial structures. In terms of the concept of restraining ratio of a BRB, no design method of an SS-BRB is available currently because it concerns the solution of the elastic buckling load of an SS-BRB. Therefore, the elastic buckling load of a pin-ended SS-BRB is initially studied by adopting the equilibrium method and is further verified through finite element (FE) method. The lateral displacement function of an SS-BRB, and the longitudinal stress at the extreme fiber of the external restraining member are derived by considering an initial geometric imperfection that is consistent with the first order overall buckling shape of the SS-BRB. A correction factor considering shear deformation has been incorporated for a more accurate prediction. The lower limit of the restraining ratio for a load-bearing type of SS-BRBs is further obtained based on yielding of the extreme fiber of the restraining member. Furthermore, the proposed formula has incorporated a strain hardening factor for the SS-BRB that experiences strain hardening of the core after its initial yielding. The proposed formulas have been validated through FE numerical analysis. The findings in this paper provide fundamentals to develop the design method for an energy-dissipation type of SS-BRBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, attention is focused on the prediction of thermal buckling and post-buckling behaviors of functionally graded materials (FGM) beams based on Euler–Bernoulli, Timoshenko and various higher-order shear deformation beam theories. Two ends of the beam are assumed to be clamped and in-plane boundary conditions are immovable. The beam is subjected to uniform temperature rise and temperature dependency of the constituents is also taken into account. The governing equations are developed relative to neutral plane and mid-plane of the beam. A two-step perturbation method is employed to determine the critical buckling loads and post-buckling equilibrium paths. New results of thermal buckling and post-buckling analysis of the beams are presented and discussed in details , the numerical analysis shows that, for the case of uniform temperature rise loading, the post-buckling equilibrium path for FGM beam with two clamped ends is also of the bifurcation type for any arbitrary value of the power law index and any various displacement fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buckling instability refers to a significant limit on the structures with I-section members, which causes severe decreasing of critical buckling load. Many mechanisms and techniques have been developed to increase the loading capacity of I-section structures, e.g., using composite materials or changing web geometry. This study aims at theoretically investigating the effect of geometry on the buckling capacity of wood composite I-beams with sinusoidal corrugated web. Experiments and numerical simulations are carried out to validate the theoretical predictions. The presented model is also reduced to flat web to validate with an existing study. Good agreements are observed from the validations. Parametric study is conducted to indicate the effects of web geometry on the critical buckling load. A significant increasing of buckling load (minimum 17.7%) is obtained between flat and sinusoidal web I-beams. Sensitivity study is carried out to evaluate the influences of web thickness, beam length and beam height on the loading capacity of sinusoidal I-beams. Optimal design is conducted to investigate the impact of the ratios of wavelength-to-beam length ( a L ) and wave amplitude-to-flange width ( A T ) on the critical buckling load and volume of wood corrugated I-beams. The findings in this study can be further used as guidance for the design of composite I-beams with sinusoidal corrugated web. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective way for improving the global load-carrying capacity of a steel arch with a welded hollow section is to increase the height of its webs. However, the high and thin web may buckle locally, which will affect the global load-carrying capacity and should be taken into account in predicting the global strength of the arch. This paper presents a numerical investigation for the in-plane strength and design for pin-ended circular steel arches with a welded hollow section, focusing on the effects of web local buckling by the large deformation inelastic analysis in association with a finite shell element model. The circular steel arches subjected to a radial load uniformly distributed along the arch length, a load uniformly distributed over the full span of the arch, or/and over the half span of the arch and their various combinations are considered in the investigation of their failure modes and strengths. The initial global and local geometric imperfections as well as residual stresses are included in the finite element model. It is found that web local buckling influences the global strength of the steel arches significantly and needs to be accounted in formulate their strength design formulas. The parameters related to the web local buckling and global buckling of the arch are thoroughly explored. It is found that the stability coefficients of arches under the nominal uniform axial compression are related to the equivalent normalized web height-to-thickness ratio of the cross-section and the normalized slenderness of the arch, and accordingly the design formula of the stability coefficients is proposed by including their effects. In addition, a design formula for predicting the strengths of the arches under a load uniformly distributed over the full span is developed by introducing a corrective coefficient into the stability coefficient, and it is found that the corrective coefficient is related to the arch rise-to-span ratio and slenderness of the arch. Furthermore, a general interaction design formula is developed for predicting in-plane strength of the arches under general in-plane loading such as a load uniformly distributed over the half span of the arch and various combinations of a full span uniform load and a half span uniform load. Comparisons with the finite element results demonstrate the proposed design formulas can provide good predictions and/or lower bound predictions for the strengths of the steel arches with a welded hollow section [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a first attempt, optimum stacking sequences of thick laminated composite plate is obtained to maximize its buckling load via employing the finite element (FE), genetic algorithms (GAs) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) methods. The higher-order shear deformation theory (HSDT) is used to obtain governing equations of the plate. The finite element method (FEM) is employed to solve these equations and to gain buckling load of the plate. The FEM solution is linked with a developed optimization algorithm which is a mix of genetic algorithms (GAs) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) techniques. Some examples are solved to show applicability and usefulness of the proposed hybrid method for maximizing buckling load of the plate via finding optimum stacking sequences of the plate. Also, influences of different parameters on the optimum stacking sequences of the thick plate are studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The differential system is solved with low computational cost. • The numerical results indicate a very good performance of the 6DE model proposed. • The 6DE model allows to obtain the equivalent properties for the beam-column model. • Practical expressions for the buckling loads exhibit an excellent agreement. Abstract Lattice towers and guyed masts are frequently used in the telecommunication industry, particularly to support antennas. These structural systems comprise a large number of elements (mainly, legs and diagonals) and for this reason, their representation by equivalent models is quite common and convenient. In a previous study, the authors derived a continuous model of a spatial lattice governed by nine differential equations (9DE). The legs trace forms a triangle and the diagonals with a zig-zag pattern are contained in three planes that join each two legs, defined as Pattern 1. Here and starting from an energy statement, the structural behavior of a 1D continuous model governed by six differential equations (6DE) which leads to a simpler representation of the lattice structure, is stated. This formulation considers the shear flexibility and the second order effect due to axial loads. Also, the inertial forces due to the legs and diagonals masses are taken into account. Numerical examples dealing with deflections, critical buckling loads and natural frequencies are solved with this 1D model. The results are compared with the outcomes found with finite element methods. A very good performance is attained with the proposed model. Finally, the equivalent properties for other patterns of diagonalization (Patterns 2, 3 and 4) different to the studied as well as the formulas to find the critical loads are included in Appendices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of distortional deformation on the elastic lateral buckling of thin-walled box beam elements under combined bending and axial forces is investigated in this paper. For the purpose, an analytical model is developed for the stability of laterally unrestrained box beams according to higher order theory. Ritz and Galerkin's methods are applied in order to discretize the governing equilibrium equations and then the buckling loads are obtained by requiring the singularity of the tangential stiffness matrix. The different solutions are discussed and then compared to the finite element simulation using Abaqus software where shell elements are used in the mesh process. The numerical results reveal that classical stability solutions as those adopted in Eurocode 3 overestimate the real lateral buckling resistance of thin-walled box beam members, particularly for the ones with high ratios between the height and the thickness of the cross-section. Numerical study of incidence of compressive forces on lateral buckling resistance of thin-walled box beam is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present study is concerned with the elastic/plastic buckling of thin rectangular plates under various loads and boundary conditions. The in-plane loads are placed uniformly and linearly varying in the uniaxial compression and biaxial compression/tension. The equilibrium and stability equations are derived and analyses are carried out based on two theories of plasticity, i.e. deformation theory (DT) and incremental theory (IT). The elastic/plastic behavior of plates is described by the Ramberg–Osgood model. Generalized Differential Quadrature (GDQ) discretization technique is used to solve the buckling of plate equation. To examine accuracy of the present formulation and procedure, several convergence and comparison studies are investigated and new results are presented. The differences between the IT and DT results increase by increasing loading parameter in linearly varying in-plane loading. Some new consequences are achieved regarding the validation range of two theories. Furthermore, effects of aspect, thickness to length and loading ratios, boundary condition, type of plasticity theory and linearly varying in-plane loading on the buckling coefficient are discussed. Contour plots of buckling mode shapes for various loading parameters are also illustrated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Many authors in the literature agreed that the flow theory of plasticity either fails to predict buckling or overestimates plastic buckling stresses and strains of plates and shells while the deformation theory succeeds in forecasting buckling and provides estimates that are more in line with the experimental results. Following a previous study by the same authors focused on compressed cylinders, the present work aims to investigate the reasons for the discrepancy between the flow and deformation theory predictions in the case of cylinders subjected to combined axial tensile load and increasing external lateral pressure. To this end, geometrically nonlinear finite-element calculations of selected cylindrical shells using both the flow theory and the deformation theory of plasticity have been conducted, and the results are compared with some accurate physical test results and with numerical results obtained by other authors using the code BOSOR5. It is found, contrary to common belief, that very good agreement between numerical and test results can be obtained in the case of the flow theory of plasticity. The reasons underlying the apparent plastic buckling paradox are discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Axial deformation is not involved in the formulation of linear buckling caused by axial force. Likewise, twisting is not present in linear buckling caused by axial torque. The dynamic axial–torsional buckling of structural frames in the presence of follower axial force will be solved by means of dynamic stiffness using power series. Variationally consistent natural boundary conditions are given so that the resulting dynamic stiffness is symmetrical for conservative loading. Some parts of the boundary forces disappeared for follower axial forces due to consistent tangency to the neutral axis. The deficiency of the power series method to deal with non-uniform sections is highlighted. New instability phenomena for a simple column are studied in detail. It is shown that columns can buckle under direct follower tension. Follower tension decreases the natural frequency initially and then increases it rapidly after a turning point. The first pair of modes about the major axis and that about the minor axis of a rectangular section column meet at one crossing point. A very small axial torque will change the crossing into flutter-like tongues. These tongues are common in compressive follower force. These tongues caused by axial torque are reported here for the first time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Semi-analytical models for the linear buckling analysis of unstiffened laminated composite cylinders and cones with flexible boundary conditions are presented. The Classical Laminated Plate Theory and the First-order Shear Deformation Theory are used in conjunction with the Donnell’s non-linear equations to derive the buckling equations. Axial, torsion and pressure loads can be applied individually or combined in the proposed models. The stiffness matrices are integrated analytically and for the conical shells an approximation is proposed to overcome non-integrable expressions. Comparisons with the literature show that the classical base functions available for axial compression cannot capture the buckling modes for non-orthotropic laminates. For torsion loads these classical shape functions do not catch the buckling modes even when applying the assumption of pure orthotropy, and it is shown how the proposed models correlate well with experimental data from the literature and finite element results. The use of elastic constraints at the boundaries allows the simulation of different boundary conditions in a versatile way and it is shown how those constants can be adjusted in order to change from one type of boundary condition to another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents the buckling analysis of functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) plates under various in-plane mechanical loads, using the element-free kp-Ritz method. The first-order shear deformation plate theory is applied and a set of mesh-free kernel particle functions are used to approximate two-dimensional displacement fields. Effective properties of materials of the plates reinforced by single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are estimated through a micromechanical model based on either the Eshelby–Mori–Tanaka approach or the extended rule of mixture. Comparison study and numerical simulations with various parameters are conducted to assess efficacy and accuracy of the present method for analysis of buckling of SWCNT-reinforced composite plates. Results demonstrate that the change of carbon nanotube volume fraction, plate width-to-thickness ratio, plate aspect ratio, loading condition and temperature have pronounced effects on buckling strength of CNTRC plates as well as the boundary condition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 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. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper deals with the theoretical prediction of buckling loads for symmetric angle-ply and cross-ply laminated flat composite columns, consisting of two portions of different widths connected by fillets. The buckling loads of the column under axial compression were obtained for the following end conditions: simply supported, simply-clamped, clamped-clamped, and clamped free. Based on the first order shear deformation theory (FSDT), finite elements method (FEM) with FORTRAN computer language was exploited to obtain the critical buckling loads. The effects of orientation angles, fillet radius, column thickness and wideness, and modulus ratios on the buckling load were investigated. The results were presented in both graphical and tabular forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the present paper, buckling loads of rectangular composite plates having nine sets of different boundary conditions and subjected to non-uniform inplane loading are presented considering higher order shear deformation theory (HSDT). As the applied inplane load is non-uniform, the buckling load is evaluated in two steps. In the first step the plane elasticity problem is solved to evaluate the stress distribution within the prebuckling range. Using the above stress distribution the plate buckling equations are derived from the principle of minimum total potential energy. Adopting Galerkin''s approximation, the governing partial differential equations are converted into a set of homogeneous linear algebraic equations. The critical buckling load is obtained from the solution of the associated linear eigenvalue problem. The present buckling loads are compared with the published results wherever available. The buckling loads obtained from the present method for plate with various boundary conditions and subjected to non-uniform inplane loading are found to be in excellent agreement with those obtained from commercial software ANSYS. Buckling mode shapes of plate for different boundary conditions with non-uniform inplane loadings are also presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Higher order shear deformation theory (HSDT) is reformulated using the nonlocal differential constitutive relations of Eringen. The equations of motion of the nonlocal theories are derived. The developed equations of motion have been applied to study buckling characteristics of nanoplates such as graphene sheets. Navier''s approach has been used to solve the governing equations for all edges simply supported boundary conditions. Analytical solutions for critical buckling loads of the graphene sheets are presented. Nonlocal elasticity theories are employed to bring out the small scale effect on the critical buckling load of graphene sheets. Effects of (i) nonlocal parameter, (ii) length, (iii) thickness of the graphene sheets and (iv) higher order shear deformation theory on the critical buckling load have been investigated. The theoretical development as well as numerical solutions presented herein should serve as reference for nonlocal theories as applied to the stability analysis of nanoplates and nanoshells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Dynamic buckling analysis of FGM plates has not been accomplished so far. In the present paper, vibration and dynamic buckling of FGM rectangular plates with surface-bonded or embedded piezoelectric sensors and actuators subjected to thermo-electro-mechanical loading conditions are investigated. A finite element formulation based on a higher-order shear deformation theory is developed. Both initial geometric imperfections of the plate and temperature-dependency of the material properties are taken into account. Dynamic buckling of plates already pre-stressed by other forms of loading conditions is assumed to occur under suddenly applied thermal or mechanical loads. A nine-node second order Lagrangian element, an efficient numerical algorithm for solving the resulted highly non-linear governing equations, and an instability criterion already proposed by the author are employed. A simple negative velocity feedback control is used to actively control the dynamic response of the plate. Results show that generally, initial geometric imperfections lead to an increased fundamental bending natural frequency and decreased buckling loads. Furthermore, buckling mitigation due to utilizing integrated piezoelectric sensors and actuators is mainly achieved in extremely high gain values. Therefore, the piezoelectricity effect on the buckling load is small in applicable voltages. It is also noticed that the temperature-dependency and initial geometric imperfections remarkably affect the buckling loads. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The load-resisting capacity of buckling-restrained braces (BRB) composed of an H-shaped core element and an external tube was investigated in this study by component testing. A study was carried out on the effect of the design parameters such as the thickness of the constraining tube and the length of the unconstrained length of the core ends on the maximum strength and the energy dissipation capability. The performance of the BRB was evaluated by comparing the test results with the recommended provisions for BRB. It was found that the thickness of the external tube and the unconstrained part of the core had a significant effect on the strength and hysteretic behavior of the BRB; with the correct thickness of external tube and unconstrained length, the BRB behaved stably throughout the cyclic loading history until the cumulative plastic deformation reached 330, which far exceeded the value of 200 required by the recommended provisions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study presents the analytical, numerical, and experimental results of thin hemispherical metal shells into the plastic buckling range illustrating the importance of geometry changes on the buckling load. The hemispherical shell is rigidly supported around the base circumference against horizontal and vertical translation and the load is vertically applied by a rigid cylindrical boss at the apex. Kinematics stages of initial buckling and subsequent propagation of plastic deformation for rigid-perfectly plastic shells are formulated on the basis of Drucker–Shield''s limited interaction yield condition. The effect of the radius of the boss, used to apply the loading, on the initial and subsequent collapse load is studied. In the numerical model, the material is assumed to be isotropic and linear elastic perfectly plastic without strain hardening obeying the Tresca or Von Mises yield criterion. Both axisymmmetric and 3D models are implemented in the numerical work to verify the presence of non-symmetric deformation modes in the case of thin shells. In the end, the results of the analytical solution are compared and verified with the numerical results using ABAQUS software and experimental findings. Good agreement is observed between the load–deflection curves obtained using three different approaches. A secondary bifurcation point is detected in thin shells in which the deformation degenerates from symmetric to non-symmetric behavior. The bifurcation point depends on the (R/t 0) ratio and the material parameters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: By means of geometrically non-linear modeling of the test process for high-quality specimens of thin-walled cylinders using a shell finite element implemented in ANSYS, it has been proved that this numerical approach is applicable for design of real axially compressed circular cylindrical shells under external local quasi-static loads. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents and illustrates a GBT formulation to analyse the elastic localized web buckling of thin-walled steel beams under concentrated loads. The theme of localised web buckling is first introduced by describing the parameters that most influence the buckling behaviour of slender plates subjected to edge loads. After that, a GBT formulation to analyse the elastic localized web buckling of thin-walled steel beams under concentrated loads is presented: the GBT equations are derived and the determination of deformation modes is briefly addressed. Then, two illustrative examples are shown and validated by comparison with shell finite element results: (i) cold-formed steel plain channel beams with web crippling configurations and (ii) welded steel I-section beams with patch loading configurations. It is found that both pre-buckling longitudinal normal () and shear () stresses have to be included in the buckling analyses of cold-formed steel beams with External One Flange (EOF) and Internal One Flange (IOF) configurations as well as welded steel beams with Patch Loading Test (PLT) configuration. Furthermore, the pre-buckling transverse normal () stresses have to be included in the buckling analysis of cold-formed steel beams with External Two Flange (ETF) and Internal Two Flange (ITF) configurations as well as welded steel beams with Opposite Patch Loading Test (OPLT) configuration. In beams with EOF, IOF, PLT configurations, the GBT pre-buckling analysis should consider global and shear modes while the GBT buckling analysis may only consider local modes. In beams with ETF, ITF, OPLT configurations, the GBT pre-buckling analysis should consider transverse extension modes while the GBT buckling analysis may only consider local modes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The structural behaviour of elliptical hollow sections has been examined in previous studies under several loading conditions, including pure compression, pure bending and combined uniaxial bending and compression. This paper examines the elastic buckling response of elliptical hollow sections under any linearly varying in-plane loading conditions, including the most general case of combined compression and biaxial bending. An analytical method to predict the elastic buckling stress has been derived and validated against finite element results. The predictive model first identifies the location of the initiation of local buckling based on the applied stress distribution and the section geometry. The critical radius of curvature corresponding to this point is then introduced into the classical formula for predicting the elastic local buckling stress of a circular shell. The obtained analytical results are compared with results generated by means of finite element analysis. The comparisons between the analytical and numerical predictions of elastic buckling stress reveal disparities of less than 2.5% for thin shells and, following an approximate allowance for the influence of shear, less than 7.5% for thick shells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The flatwise compressive behaviour of tetrachiral and hexachiral honeycombs is analysed, using analytical and Finite Element simulations, both with explicit and implicit formulations. The tetrachiral and hexachiral cells are composed by cylinders connected by four and six tangent ligaments respectively. The ligaments act as mixed stiffeners-elastic foundations during flatwise compressive loading, providing different buckling mode shapes during deformation. The models are compared with experimental results obtained using RP-based honeycombs tested according to ASTM C 393-00 and ASTM C365-00. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thin-walled structures usually collapse in Eulerian buckling mode under oblique loads. Energy absorption capacity and crush force efficiency of the structure in this type of collapse are low. Collapse initiators are used to improve these properties. In this research, effect of collapse initiators on energy absorption characteristics of square tubes under oblique quasi-static loads is investigated both experimentally and numerically. Initiators are in the form of cuttings on the tube corners. Results show that collapse initiators in most of the specimens change deformation mode from general buckling to progressive buckling and decrease considerably the peak load; therefore increase crush force efficiency. Furthermore, effect of location and number of initiators is studied. There is good agreement between the numerical results and data from experiments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper addresses the buckling and vibration analysis of isotropic and laminated plates by a first-order shear deformation theory. The numerical approach is based on collocation with radial basis functions. The model allows the analysis of arbitrary boundary conditions and irregular geometries. It is shown that the present method, based on a first-order shear deformation theory produces highly accurate natural frequencies and modes of vibration, as well as critical loads and modes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The critical buckling load of a structure undergoing lateral buckling can be determined experimentally by using the extrapolation or plotting techniques, without having to subject the structure to loading in the vicinity of critical. To achieve this, it is only necessary to have data relating load to a deformation characteristic. A search of the literature reveals that only certain and just a few deformation characteristics such as lateral displacement and/or twist have mostly been used by researchers in this regard. In this paper, the feasibility of application of various deformation variables for experimental determination of the critical buckling load is investigated in case of I-beams with different initial geometrical imperfections undergoing the elastic lateral–distortional mode of buckling. It is demonstrated that lateral displacement of the I-beams is directly coupled with different deformation variables such as web transverse and longitudinal strains, vertical deflection, and angles of twist of top and bottom flanges. Based on these key findings, the Southwell, Massey, Modified, and Meck Plot methods are applied on these various deformation variables, and consequently satisfactory and reliable estimates are obtained for the critical buckling loads. Finally, it may be concluded that the application of the extrapolation techniques does not actually need to be limited to some certain deformation variables. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this research, a size-dependent first-order shear deformable model is developed based on the Mindlin's strain gradient elasticity theory to analyze the free vibration and axial buckling of circular cylindrical micro-/nano-shells. The size-dependent governing equations and corresponding boundary conditions are established through Hamilton's principle. For some specific values of the gradient-based material parameters, the most general form of shell formulation can be reduced to those based on simple forms of the strain gradient elasticity theory such as the modified strain gradient theory (MSGT), modified couple stress theory (MCST) and strain gradient theory (SGT). To illustrate the characteristics of a micro-/nano-shell obtained by the size-dependent shell formulation, the axial buckling and free vibration problems of a simply-supported (SS) microshell are analyzed by employing a Navier-type solution. Selected numerical results are presented to get an insight into the effects of dimensionless material length scale parameters, length-to-radius ratio and circumferential mode number on the non-dimensionless natural frequencies and buckling loads. For comparison purpose, the non-dimensional natural frequencies and buckling loads predicted by MSGT, MCST, SGT and classical theory (CT) are also presented. It is shown that the effect of small scale is more prominent for lower values of dimensionless length scale parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the buckling behaviour of laminated composite skew plates with different boundary conditions subjected to linearly varying in-plane loads are presented. The skew plate is modelled based on higher order shear deformation theory, which accurately predicts the buckling behaviour for the thick plate. The in-plane stress distribution within the skew plate due to linearly varying in-plane load is equal to the applied in-plane edge load in the pre-buckling range. Using these in-plane stress distributions, the total potential energy functional is formulated. Total potential energy is a function of the total strain energy of skew plate and potential energy due to in-plane stress distributions. The total strain energy of skew plate contains membrane energy, bending energy, additional bending energy due to additional change in curvature and shear energy due to shear deformation, respectively. The total potential energy functionals mapped from physical domain to computational domain over which a set of orthonormal polynomials satisfying the essential boundary conditions is generated by Gram–Schmidt orthogonalization process. Using a Rayleigh-Ritz method in conjunction with Boundary Characteristics Orthonormal Polynomials, the total potential energy functional is converted into sets of algebraic equations. Finally, these algebraic equations are rearranged as a linear eigenvalue problem, which is solved to obtain the critical buckling loads. The numerical results are presented for different skew angles, boundary conditions, length to thickness ratios, aspect ratios and in-plane loadings. It is observed that the critical buckling load increase with the increase of skew angle as well as change in the mode shape at a lower aspect ratio with the increase of skew angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Timoshenko column in presence of an arbitrary number of concentrated cracks is considered. [•] Cracks have been modeled as concentrated reduction of the flexural stiffness. [•] Explicit expressions of buckling shapes and the buckling load equations are proposed. [•] Tensile buckling phenomenon is captured by the proposed explicit solutions. [•] The influence of multiple cracks on the tensile and the compressive buckling is assessed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A solution is proposed to the buckling problem formulated for a rectangular sandwich plate having all the edges fully clamped (CCCC plate) and subjected to a uniaxial compressive loading. The analysis of the out-of-plane deformation of the buckled plate is based on the equations of the first order shear deformation theory (FSDT). Galerkin method has been employed to solve the problem. Variations of the plate deflection and angles of rotation between the unloaded edges have been approximated using the solution to the bending problem for the shear deformable beam with clamped ends. The approximation of these variables between the loaded edges has been performed using trigonometry series. The solution to the problem is reduced to the calculation of the eigenvector of corresponding homogeneous system of linear equations and determination of its least component. Verification of the solution obtained has been performed using finite-element analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A semi-analytical method is developed for pre-buckling and buckling analyses of thin, symmetrically laminated composite panels with an elliptical cutout at an arbitrary location and orientation under general thermo-mechanical loading conditions. Both the pre-buckling and buckling analyses are based on the principle of stationary potential energy utilizing complex potential functions and complete polynomials. The complex potential functions capture the steep stress gradients and local deformations around the cutout, and the “complete” polynomials improve the global buckling response of the laminate. The complex potential functions in the pre-buckling state automatically satisfy the in-plane equilibrium equations, thus reducing the first variation of the total potential energy in terms of line integrals only. Because the complex potential functions for out-of-plane displacements are augmented by the “complete” polynomials, the area integral terms in the second variation of the total potential energy, referred to as the Treftz criterion, are retained in the buckling analysis. The kinematic boundary conditions are idealized by employing extensional and rotational springs (elastic restraints) with appropriate stiffness values. Based on the numerous validation problems, this analysis is proven credible for predicting the buckling load of rectangular and non-rectangular panels with a cutout. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper the correlation of deformation energy and critical buckling loads is examined. An advanced analysis technique is derived for the investigation of z-section frames typically applied in composite aircraft fuselage. This technique is verified through closed form solutions of z-section columns under quasi-static loading conditions. The method is applied to study the effects of flange width and laminate thickness on the critical failure modes of composite frames. Therein, the focus is on composite structural elements favourable for deformation kinematics in aerospace applications subjected to crash loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: 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. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper deals with multiobjective optimization of symmetrically angle-ply square laminated plates subjected to biaxial compressive and uniform thermal loads. The design objective is the maximization of the buckling load for weighted sum of the biaxial compressive and thermal loads. The design variable is the fiber orientations in the layers. The performance index is formulated as the weighted sum of individual objectives in order to obtain optimal solutions of the design problem. The first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) is used in the mathematical formulation of buckling analysis of laminated plates. The modified feasible direction (MFD) method is used for optimization routine. For this purpose, a program based on FORTRAN is used. Finally, the effect of different weighting factors, number of layers, aspect ratios, load ratios and boundary conditions on the optimal design is investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study thermal buckling load optimization of laminated skew plates subjected to uniformly distributed temperature load is investigated. All of the laminates considered are assumed to have fully clamped boundary conditions, though the general boundary conditions may also be studied without any difficulty. The objective function is to maximize the critical temperature capacity of the laminated skew plates and the fibre orientation is considered as design variable. The first-order shear deformation theory is used in the mathematical formulation. Nine-node Lagrangian rectangular plate element is used for the finite element solution of the skew laminates. The temperature field is assumed to be uniform over the plate surface and varies in the thickness direction only. Modified feasible direction method (MFD) is used for the optimization routine. A program based on FORTRAN is used for the optimization problem. Finally, the effect of number of layers, skew angles, aspect ratios, width-to-thickness ratios and antisymmetric lay-up on the optimal designs is investigated and the results are compared. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The objective of the present work is to study the effects of flexural boundary conditions on buckling and postbuckling behavior of axially compressed quasi-isotropic laminate, (+45/−45/0/90)2 s with various shaped cutouts (i.e., circular, square, diamond, elliptical–vertical and elliptical–horizontal) of various sizes using the finite element method. The FEM formulation is based on first order shear deformation theory and von Karman’s assumptions are used to incorporate geometric nonlinearity. The 3-D Tsai-Hill criterion is used to predict the failure of a lamina while the onset of delamination is predicted by the interlaminar failure criterion. It is observed that the laminates clamped and simply supported on all edges have the highest and lowest buckling and postbuckling strength, respectively, irrespective of cutouts shape and size. It is also noted that a fully clamped laminate with large size elliptical–vertical cutout can take higher compressive buckling load than the laminate without cutout for same boundary condition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents an experimental investigation into locally unstable ultra-light-gauge steel storage rack frames that are prone to flexural-torsional buckling. The aim of the research was to understand how local instabilities and interactive buckling affect the strength of ultra-light gauge frames and to create reliable data through a controlled experimental investigation. A total of twelve full scale tests were conducted in the Civil Engineering Structures Laboratory at the University of Sydney. Prior to testing, the geometric imperfections of each member were measured, as were the material properties of the cold-rolled sections and the virgin steel from which the sections were formed. The cross-sectional deformations, ultimate loads and observations regarding failure modes were accurately captured and documented. The tests were also successful in capturing the post-ultimate response of the frames as well as the rotational stiffness of the beam-to-upright connections. Results from nominally identical tests were in good agreement. The tests provide comprehensive data for assessing the effects of interactive buckling and the extent to which cross-sectional deformations amplify the second-order deformations in locally unstable storage rack frames. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper deals with multiobjective optimization of laminated cylindrical shells to maximize a weighted sum of the frequency and buckling load under external load. The layer fibre orientation is used as the design variable and the multiobjective optimization is formulated as the weighted combinations of the frequency and buckling under external load. The first order shear deformation theory is used for the finite element formulation of the laminated shells. Five shell configurations with eight layers are considered as candidate designs. The modified feasible direction method (MFD) is used as optimization routine. For this purpose, a program based on FORTRAN is used for the optimization of the laminated shells. Finally, the effect of different weighting ratios, shell aspect ratio, shell thickness-to-radius ratios and boundary conditions on the optimal designs is investigated and the results are compared. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This work presents the milestones of the underlying of a patented work [1] (Abdul-Latif, 2014) which aims to enhance the plastic buckling resistance of thin-walled right-circular cylindrical mild steel tubes deformed axially under the quasi-static compressive load. The proposed concept can be described by producing a metal like-composite where a hard phase incorporates in these tubes made by case-hardening of 15% of tubes outer surface with different geometrical shapes and a constant depth along the tubes thickness. To study the effect of case-hardening configurations, several forms were designed, made and tested. They were four ring forms (with 2, 3, 4 and 5 rings), two vertical strip forms (2 and 3 strips) and, six helical strip forms with three tilt angles of 30°, 45° and 60° (2H30, 3H30, 2H45, 3H45, 2H60 and 3H60). The total energy absorption of conventional tubes could be increased up to 46%. The effects of the case-hardened zone, quasi-static strain rate and the crush force efficiency were investigated. Moreover, the deformation modes of these case-hardened tubes were analyzed. The effect of the case-hardened forms could be classified into three categories by the gain percentage (low, intermediate and high gains). Especially in the high gain category, the material behavior seems to be directed by complicated local strain induced by the metal like-composite tube, where a triaxial strain state was encouraged particularly within the tube wall of 3H30. For this reason, the collapse load became the function of case-hardened forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to study the interaction curves along with buckling and postbuckling responses of a quasi-isotropic laminate with a centrally placed circular cutout of various sizes under uni-axial compression combined with in-plane shear loads (positive and negative). The present study is carried out using finite element method. The finite element formulation is based on the first order shear deformation theory and von Karman’s assumptions to incorporate geometric nonlinearity. The resulting nonlinear algebraic equations are solved by Newton–Raphson method. The 3-D Tsai-Hill criterion is used to predict the failure of a lamina while the onset of delamination is predicted by the interlaminar failure criterion. It is observed that pure compression- buckling, -first-ply failure and -ultimate failure strengths of the quasi-isotropic laminate with and without circular cutout decreases with increasing accompanying shear load. In addition, it is also noted that for a given uni-axial compression load, a quasi-isotropic laminate with and without a cutout can sustain higher negative shear load in comparison to the positive shear load. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the construction of single layer domes and vaulted structures manufactured ball-node type connections are widely used. These ball-nodes deform due to the action of a three-dimensional state of stress while offering their resistance. These deformations result in a loss of connection stiffness, which influences the overall stability of these domes, and is usually ignored in the analysis. This work presents an investigation on the effect of ball-node deformations in the inelastic post-buckling behavior of domes and vaulted structures. A model for the load-deformation properties of the ball-nodes has been proposed in this study, in the lines of EC3-8. This connection flexibility model is integrated into a corotated–updated Lagrangian finite element formulation. Results for single layer domes and a braced barrel vault are presented. Although the present investigation deals with ball nodes only, the computational framework is still relevant for other type of connections of space structures, with modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents a study on the postbuckling response of a functionally graded cylindrical shell of finite length embedded in a large outer elastic medium and subjected to internal pressure in thermal environments. The surrounding elastic medium is modeled as a tensionless Pasternak foundation that reacts in compression only. The postbuckling analysis is based on a higher order shear deformation shell theory with von Kármán–Donnell-type of kinematic nonlinearity. The thermal effects due to heat conduction are also included and the material properties of functionally graded materials (FGMs) are assumed to be temperature-dependent. The nonlinear prebuckling deformations and the initial geometric imperfections of the shell are both taken into account. A singular perturbation technique is employed to determine the postbuckling response of the shells and an iterative scheme is developed to obtain numerical results without using any assumption on the shape of the contact region between the shell and the elastic medium. Numerical solutions are presented in tabular and graphical forms to study the postbuckling behavior of FGM shells surrounded by an elastic medium of tensionless elastic foundation of the Pasternak-type, from which results for conventional elastic foundations are obtained as comparators. The results reveal that the unilateral constraint has a significant effect on the postbuckling response of shells subjected to internal pressure in thermal environments when the foundation stiffness is sufficiently large. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study investigates the stability of the structural systems assembled by system scaffolds. Loading tests were conducted on the indoor single-bay system scaffolds and the outdoor full-scale structural system assembled by system scaffolds. Test results were compared with the second-order inelastic analysis with semi-rigid joints to determine the reliability of various analytical parameters. The study reveals that, while the failure model of the single-bay two-storey system scaffold without diagonal braces is overall buckling failure of the structure, the failure model of the same structure with diagonal braces is buckling failure of the vertical standards between the upper and lower storeys. The critical load of the configuration with diagonal braces is about double that of the same structure without diagonal braces. At the moment of buckling failure of the outdoor full-scale two-row, two-bay, six-storey structural system assembled by system scaffolds, the vertical standards at the four corners appeared to have large horizontal displacements owing to without diagonal braces. However, the vertical standard in the center did not exhibit obvious horizontal deformation because it was reinforced with diagonal braces on four sides. In addition, the use of diagonal braces can significantly increase the load capacity of vertical standards. This study recommends that all vertical standards be reinforced with diagonal braces to ensure the load capacity of the structural systems assembled by system scaffolds. A second-order inelastic analysis with semi-rigid joints and various notional lateral forces is recommended to determine the critical loads of full-scale structural systems assembled by system scaffolds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The die radome, which is made of honeycomb sandwich structure, should be entirely refitted, for a big electronic observation facility is being fixed at the head section of an aircraft. In this work, the stability design of honeycomb sandwich radome is investigated. Initially, a local buckling failure is observed in the refitted radome during the preliminary calculation. Then design improvements are made to the existing radome, like some L-shaped stiffeners are added on the inner surface of metal faring in order to improve the stability of radome. In this way, the critical buckling load of radome increases more than 10 times. Different layout schemes for the stiffeners are studied during this work, and the best structure layout is obtained by discrete optimization method and also the relationship between stability and bar spacing is examined. Finally, the stability of radome under 45 load cases is calculated to validate the design. The result shows that the optimized design greatly improves the stability of radome. This method can be applied to structure design in preliminary assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper we discuss the static snapping load of a hinged buckled beam subject to a midpoint force. Three different models are compared; they are small-deformation theory, inextensible elastica, and extensible elastica. As expected, small-deformation theory fails to predict the static snapping load accurately in the large-deformation range. In the small-deformation range, on the other hand, inextensible elastica model predicts the static snapping load poorly. Finally, by allowing the elastica to be extensible, it is observed that one can predict the static snapping load accurately both in the small- and large-deformation ranges. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Part I presented a set of experiments in which pressurized tubes were cycled axially under stress control about a compressive mean stress. This loading history causes biaxial ratcheting involving compressive axial strain and expansion of the diameter of the tube. The compressive strain in turn induces the initiation and growth of axisymmetric wrinkles. Persistent cycling resulted in localization of the wrinkles and collapse. In Part II the problem is first modeled as a shell with initial axisymmetric imperfections while the biaxial ratcheting of the material is modeled using the Dafalias–Popov two-surface nonlinear kinematic hardening model. It is demonstrated that when suitably calibrated this modeling framework reproduces the prevalent ratcheting deformations and the evolution of wrinkling including the conditions at collapse accurately for all experiments. The calibrated model is then used to evaluate the ratcheting behavior of pipes under thermal-pressure cyclic loading histories experienced by axially restrained pipelines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Built-up columns are often used in steel buildings and bridges providing economical solutions in cases of large spans and/or heavy loads. Two main effects should be taken into account in their design that differentiate them from other structural members. One is the significant influence of shear deformations due to their reduced shear rigidity. The second is the interaction between global and local buckling. These effects are addressed here from both a numerical and an analytical point of view for laced built-up columns. It is concluded that the largest loss of capacity occurs when the local and global Euler critical stresses and the yield stress all coincide. This reduction in capacity becomes more prominent in the presence of imperfections, reaching magnitudes in the order of 50%. Despite the detrimental effects of mode interaction many major design codes do not provide sufficient pertinent guidance. In order to address this issue, a simple analytical method is proposed for calculating the collapse load of laced built-up members taking into account the above effects as well as global imperfections, local out-of straightness and plasticity, which is then verified by means of nonlinear finite element analysis, using either beam or shell elements. The proposed method is found to provide improved accuracy in comparison to EC3 specifications in cases of global elastic failure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents an overview of the mechanics of distortion in members which have restrained thin-walled steel sections. First, the basic features that characterize the distortion of thin-walled sections under compression and/or bending are explained and the generally adopted kinematical assumptions are presented and discussed. On the basis of these assumptions, a simple procedure to build the distortional displacement fields is proposed. Then, two illustrative examples of restrained sections are given and their distortional displacement fields are built. The I-section illustrates the case of a symmetric section having a distortional displacement field with a single d.o.f. The Z-section exemplifies the case of a non symmetric section having a distortional field with two d.o.f. Based on an energy formulation, the equilibrium equation for buckling analysis of simply supported thin-walled members is derived. For two illustrative examples, the distortional displacement field is used to obtain distortional analytical formulae. Finally, some results (buckling loads and moments) were determined and validated by means of comparison with fully numerical obtained from finite strip analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]