Nonlinear Buckling Response Research Articles

Structure-material relations in the buckling problem of asymmetric composite columns

The paper examines the effects of material composition and properties on the non-linear buckling response of asymmetric laminated structures. The problem is studied through the analysis of asymmetric laminated columns composed of an arbitrary number of different material layers. The non-linear buckling behavior of the columns subjected to combined compression and bending is examined depending on parameters such as the number, orientation and stacking sequence of the layers that make up the laminate. The analysis demonstrates that, under certain conditions, asymmetric laminated columns subjected to combined compression and bending exhibit bifurcation. In such cases, the onset of lateral deformations of the columns is delayed until the applied moment–force system attains its critical value. Based on the analytical solution of the non-linear buckling problem under consideration, the potentials for maximizing the critical load and controlling the buckling characteristics of laminated composites through tailoring their material properties are analyzed.