Linear buckling analysis of thin-walled members combining the Generalised Beam Theory and the Finite Element Method

A finite element procedure to carry out linear buckling analysis of thin-walled members is developed on the basis of the existing Generalised Beam Theory (GBT) and constrained Finite Strip Method (cFSM). It allows designers to uncouple the buckling modes of a finite element model and, consequently, to calculate pure elastic buckling loads. The procedure can easily be applied to members with general boundary conditions subjected to compression or bending. The results obtained are rather accurate when compared to the values calculated via GBT and cFSM. As a consequence, it is demonstrated that linear buckling analyses can be performed with the Finite Element Method in a similar way as can be done with the existing GBT and cFSM procedures.

[1]  G. I. Schuëller,et al.  Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering Computing , 2009 .

[2]  R. Schardt.  Verallgemeinerte Technische Biegetheorie , 1989 .

[3]  Benjamin W. Schafer,et al.  Buckling mode decomposition of single-branched open cross-section members via finite strip method: Application and examples , 2006 .

[4]  Benjamin W. Schafer,et al.  Finite Strip Stability Solutions for General Boundary Conditions and the Extension of the Constrained Finite Strip Method , 2009 .

[5]  Barry Hilary Valentine Topping,et al.  Trends in Civil and Structural Engineering Computing , 2009 .

[6]  Dinar Camotim,et al.  GBT-based local, distortional and global buckling analysis of thin-walled steel frames , 2009 .

[7]  Dinar Camotim,et al.  Second-order generalised beam theory for arbitrary orthotropic materials , 2002 .

[8]  Benjamin W. Schafer,et al.  Buckling mode decomposition of single-branched open cross-section members via finite strip method : Derivation , 2006 .

[9]  Sándor Ádány,et al.  BUCKLING MODE CLASSIFICATION OF MEMBERS WITH OPEN THIN-WALLED CROSS- SECTIONS BY USING THE FINITE STRIP METHOD , 2004 .

[10]  Dinar Camotim,et al.  GBT buckling analysis of pultruded FRP lipped channel members , 2003 .

[11]  Dinar Camotim,et al.  Distortional buckling formulae for cold-formed steel C- and Z-section members: Part II—Validation and application , 2004 .

[12]  Dinar Camotim,et al.  Global buckling analysis of plane and space thin-walled frames in the context of GBT , 2008 .

[13]  Frederic Marimon,et al.  Calculation of pure distortional elastic buckling loads of members subjected to compression via the finite element method , 2009 .

[14]  Dinar Camotim,et al.  GBT AND cFSM: TWO MODAL APPROACHES TO THE BUCKLING ANALYSIS OF UNBRANCHED THIN-WALLED MEMBERS , 2009 .

[15]  Attila László Joó,et al.  FEM-based approach for the stability design of thin-walled members by using cFSM base functions , 2009 .

[16]  Dinar Camotim,et al.  Distortional buckling formulae for cold-formed steel C and Z-section members: Part I—derivation , 2004 .

[17]  J. Michael Davies,et al.  Some Applications of Generalized Beam Theory , 1992 .

[18]  Richard Schardt.  Lateral torsional and distortional buckling of channel- and hat-sections , 1994 .

[19]  Dinar Camotim,et al.  GBT-based buckling analysis of thin-walled members with non-standard support conditions , 2008 .

[20]  Dinar Camotim,et al.  GBT buckling analysis of thin-walled steel frames: A state-of-the-art report , 2010 .

[21]  Sándor Ádány,et al.  Buckling mode identification of thin-walled members by using cFSM base functions , 2010 .

[22]  R. Cook,et al.  Concepts and Applications of Finite Element Analysis , 1974 .