On stability of monosymmetric cantilevers

This paper examines the stability of cantilevered monosymmetric I-beams under end moment and transverse loadings. The elastic buckling capacities are obtained independently by the finite integral method and the Rayleigh-Ritz energy approach. Results are presented in terms of the degree of beam monosymmetry ρ{variant}, beam parameter K, and load height parameter ζ. These parameters are easily determined and directly indicate the form of the monosymmetric section to the designers. In general, the buckling resistance for monosymmetric cantilevers improves with increasing stiffness of the compression flange (i.e. as ρ{variant} decreases). Interestingly though, the inverted T-cantilevers (ρ{variant} = 0) are not the strongest. It has been found that the buckled mode shapes for monosymmetric cantilevers are considerably more complicated than those of simply supported beams. Simple approximate formulae for the buckling capacities of monosymmetric cantilevers under various loading conditions are presented.