On using load–axial shortening plots to determine approximate buckling load of real plate structure

Abstract

Since the real structure is not perfect, the geometric imperfections are present. In this case, the bifurcation buckling load overestimates the buckling load. This problem is particularly interesting in experimental studies, because the amplitude of imperfection and its mode can differ for each sample. In this paper, a methodology for determination of the lowest buckling load of a thin-walled plate structure with imperfection using a load–axial shortening plot was presented. The proposed approach can be applied, when the post-buckling path is stable, only. It was shown that the load corresponding to an alternation in rigidity of the real structure on the load-axial shortening plot determines the buckling load with high accuracy. The P-w2 method and the inflection point method were applied, as well, to verify the obtained results. First, numerical calculations were performed by the finite element method and Koiter's method using Byskov-Hutchinson's formulation. The imperfections were defined explicitly. Other parameters of the system, such as boundary conditions, loads, geometrical dimensions were free from inaccuracies. A plate model of the thin-walled structure was applied. An eigenvalue buckling problem of perfect structures was solved to determine bifurcation loads and their eigenmodes. Then nonlinear problem of buckling was solved by Koiter's perturbation method for one mode approach or the finite element method employing Newton-Rawson's method. The load - axial shortening plots were made to analyse an influence of the imperfection amplitude on an approximate value of the lowest buckling load. The uncoupled local buckling was considered. Detailed computations were conducted for short Z-column made of general carbon-epoxy laminate under uniform compression. The Z-column was simply supported on both ends. Finally, the numerical results were verified in experimental tests using Aramis system. A static compression test was performed on a universal testing machine. Tests were performed at a constant velocity of the cross-bar equal to 2 mm/min. The compressive load was less than 150% of the bifurcation load. A very good agreement between the results attained with both the methods for solving the nonlinear problem was obtained.Since the real structure is not perfect, the geometric imperfections are present. In this case, the bifurcation buckling load overestimates the buckling load. This problem is particularly interesting in experimental studies, because the amplitude of imperfection and its mode can differ for each sample. In this paper, a methodology for determination of the lowest buckling load of a thin-walled plate structure with imperfection using a load–axial shortening plot was presented. The proposed approach can be applied, when the post-buckling path is stable, only. It was shown that the load corresponding to an alternation in rigidity of the real structure on the load-axial shortening plot determines the buckling load with high accuracy. The P-w2 method and the inflection point method were applied, as well, to verify the obtained results. First, numerical calculations were performed by the finite element method and Koiter's method using Byskov-Hutchinson's formulation. The imperfections were defined explicitly. Ot...