Stability of periodically supported slender structures and quantification of helix formation

Abstract

This paper investigates the configuration of periodically located cylindrical supports in order to impede buckling and/or failure of slender structures undergoing compression. This is done through parametric studies using a developed finite element model, along with algorithms that consider the geometric transition from sinusoidal to helical configuration. Thus the helical buckling phenomena of a slender structure is quantified. Presented model is validated against experimental data.It is shown that with proper configuration of the periodic supports, they can provide stability similar to that of continuous support. The continuously supported structure is well described analytically, thus this research holds the periodic case up against the continuous one in order to provide a design guide based on analytically calculated parameters.Simulations and experiments demonstrate that the system approaches a near-linear force response as the radial clearance is reduced, obtainable with continuous as well as periodic support.Results suggest an exponential relationship between helical buckling stability and periodic support frequency while also indicating that the indentation resistance between supports has a multi-linear dependence on support frequency.