In-plane instability of shallow layered arches with interlayer slip

Abstract

In this paper, a beam theory for predicting limit point buckling and bifurcation buckling of shallow arches composed of two layers flexibly bonded is presented. The flexibility of layer bond results in interlayer slip, which significantly affects the critical transverse loads. The presented theory is based on a layerwise assumption of the Euler–Bernoulli theory and a linear behavior of the interlayer. After establishing the equilibrium equations and boundary conditions, a numerical method for efficient solution of these equations is provided. In a first example, the presented theory is validated by comparative computations with a much more elaborate finite element analysis assuming a plane stress state. In several other examples, the effect of interlayer stiffness, load distribution and boundary conditions on the stable and unstable equilibrium paths of shallow arches with interlayer slip is investigated.