Eigenvalue Buckling Analysis

Background
An Eigenvalue Buckling analysis predicts the theoretical buckling strength of an ideal
elastic structure. This method corresponds to the textbook approach to an elastic
buckling analysis: for instance, an eigenvalue buckling analysis of a column matches the
classical Euler solution. However, imperfections and nonlinearities prevent most real-
world structures from achieving their theoretical elastic buckling strength. Therefore, an
Eigenvalue Buckling analysis often yields quick but non-conservative results.

A more accurate approach to predicting instability is to perform a nonlinear buckling

analysis. This involves a static structural analysis with large deflection effects turned on.
A gradually increasing load is applied in this analysis to seek the load level at which
your structure becomes unstable. Using the nonlinear technique, your model can
include features such as initial imperfections, plastic behavior, gaps, and large-
deflection response. In addition, using deflection-controlled loading, you can even track
the post-buckled performance of your structure (which can be useful in cases where the
structure buckles into a stable configuration, such as "snap-through" buckling of a
shallow dome, as illustrated below).

(a) Nonlinear load-deflection curve, (b) Eigenvalue buckling curve.

Eigenvalue Buckling in Mechanical

In Mechanical, an Eigenvalue Buckling analysis is a linear analysis and therefore cannot
account for nonlinearities. It employs the Linear Perturbation Analysis procedure of
MAPDL. This procedure requires a pre-loaded environment from which it draws solution
data for use in the Eigenvalue Buckling analysis. Based on this requirement, an
Eigenvalue Buckling analysis can consider nonlinearities that are present in the pre-
stressed environment allowing you to attain a more accurate real-world solution as
compared to a traditional linear preloaded state.

Note: The content of this Help page is based on the use of the ANSYS Mechanical
APDL Solver.

Points to Remember
An Eigenvalue Buckling analysis must be linked to (proceeded by) a Static
Structural Analysis. This static analysis can be either linear or nonlinear and
 the linear perturbation procedure refers to it as the "base analysis" (as either
linear or nonlinear).
The nonlinearities present in the static analysis can be the result of
nonlinear:
o Geometry (the Large Deformation property is set to Yes)
o Contact status (a contact definition other than Bonded and No
Separation type with MPC formulation)
o Material (e.g., definition of nonlinear material properties
in Engineering Data, such as hyperelasticity, plasticity, etc.)
o Connection (e.g., nonlinear joints and nonlinear springs)
A structure can have an infinite number of buckling load factors. Each load
factor is associated with a different instability pattern. Typically the lowest
load factor is of interest.
Based upon how you apply loads to a structure, load factors can either be
positive or negative. The application sorts load factors from the most
negative values to the most positive values. The minimum buckling load
factor may correspond to the smallest eigenvalue in absolute value.
For Pressure boundary conditions in the Static Structural analysis: if you
define the load with the Normal To option for faces (3D) or edges (2-D),
you could experience an additional stiffness contribution called the "pressure
load stiffness" effect. The Normal To option causes the pressure acts as a
follower load, which means that it continues to act in a direction normal to
the scoped entity even as the structure deforms. Pressure loads defined
with the Components or Vector options act in a constant direction even as
the structure deforms. For a same magnitude, the "normal to" pressure and
the component/vector pressure can result in a significantly different buckling
load factors in the follow-on Eigenvalue Buckling analysis.
Buckling mode shapes do not represent actual displacements but help you to
visualize how a part or an assembly deforms when buckling.
The procedure that the MAPDL solver uses to evaluate buckling load factors
is dependent upon whether the pre-stressed Eigenvalue Buckling analysis is
linear-based (linear prestress analysis) or nonlinear-based (nonlinear
prestress analysis). The subsequent Help topics examine each case.

Linear-based Eigenvalue Buckling Analysis

Note the following when you have created an Eigenvalue Buckling analysis when
the base analysis is linear:

For a linear upstream Static Structural Analysis, you can define

loading conditions only in the upstream analysis.
The results calculated by the Eigenvalue Buckling analysis are
buckling load factors that scale all of the loads applied in the Static
Structural analysis. Thus for example if you applied a 10 N
 compressive load on a structure in the static analysis and if the
Eigenvalue Buckling analysis calculates a load factor of 1500, then the
predicted buckling load is 1500x10 = 15000 N. Because of this it is
typical to apply unit loads in the static analysis that precedes the
buckling analysis.
The buckling load factor is to be applied to all the loads used in the
static analysis.
Note that the load factors represent scaling factors for all loads. If
certain loads are constant (for example, self-weight gravity loads)
while other loads are variable (for example, externally applied loads),
you need to take special steps to ensure accurate results.

One strategy that you can use to achieve this end is to iterate on the
Eigenvalue buckling solution, adjusting the variable loads until the
load factor becomes 1.0 (or nearly 1.0, within some convergence
tolerance).

Consider, for example, a pole having a self-weight W0, which supports

an externally-applied load, A. To determine the limiting value of A in
an Eigenvalue Buckling analysis, you could solve repetitively, using
different values of A, until by iteration you find a load factor
acceptably close to 1.0.

If you receive all negative buckling load factor values for your
Eigenvalue Buckling analysis and you wish to see them in the positive
values, or vice versa, reverse the direction of all of the loads you
applied in Static Structural analysis.
You can apply a nonzero constraint in the static analysis. The load
factors calculated in the buckling analysis should also be applied to
these nonzero constraint values. However, the buckling mode shape
associated with this load will show the constraint to have zero value.

Nonlinear-based Eigenvalue Buckling Analysis

Note the following when you have created an Eigenvalue Buckling analysis when
the base analysis is nonlinear:

At least one form of nonlinearity must be defined in the pre-requisite

static analysis.
In addition to the loads defined in Static Structural Analysis, you must
define at least one load in the buckling analysis to proceed with the
solution. To enable this, setting the Keep Pre-Stress Load-
Pattern property to Yes (default setting) retains the loading pattern
from the Static Structural Analysis in the Eigenvalue Buckling analysis.
Settings the property to No requires you to define a new loading
pattern for the Eigenvalue Buckling analysis. This new loading pattern
can be completely different from that of the prestress analysis.
In a nonlinear-based Eigenvalue Buckling analysis, load multipliers
scale the loads applied in buckling analysis ONLY. When estimating
the ultimate buckling load for the structure, you must account for the
loading applied in both static structural and eigenvalue analyses. The
equation to calculate the ultimate buckling load for the Nonlinear-
based Eigenvalue Buckling analysis is:

FBUCKLING = FRESTART + i FPERTRUB

where:

o FBUCKLING = The ultimate buckling load for the structure.

o FRESTART = Total loads in Static Structural analysis at the
specified restart load step .
o i = Buckling load factor for the "i'th" mode.
o FPERTRUB = Perturbation loads applied in buckling analysis.

For example, if you applied a 100 N compressive force on a structure

in the static analysis and a compressive force of 10 N in the
Eigenvalue Buckling analysis and you get a load factor of 15, then the
ultimate buckling load for the structure is 100 + (15 x 10) = 250 N.

Note: You can verify the ultimate buckling load of the above
equation using the buckling of a one dimensional column.
However, calculating the ultimate buckling load for 2D and 3D
problems with different combinations of loads applied in the
Static Structural and Eigenvalue Buckling analyses may not be
as straightforward as the 1D column example. This is because
the FRESTART and FPERTRUB values are essentially the effective
loading values in the static and buckling analyses, respectively.
 Consider, for example, a cantilever beam that has a theoretical
ultimate buckling strength of 1000N and which is subjected to a
compressive force (A) of 250N. The procedure to calculate the
ultimate buckling load (F), based on the load factors evaluated by
Mechanical for Linear-Based and Nonlinear-Based Eigenvalue Buckling
analyses is illustrated in the following schematic.

Note: As illustrated, cases (3) and (5) are identical. In Case

(3), setting the Keep Pre-Stress Load-Pattern property
to Yes automatically retains the loading from pre-stress
analysis for the buckling analysis. As a result, there is no need
to define new loads for the buckling analysis in Case 3. For
Case 5, the Keep Pre-Stress Load-Pattern property is set
to No, allowing you to define a new load pattern in the
buckling analysis which can be completely different from that
of the Static Structural analysis.

The buckling load factor evaluated in nonlinear-based Eigenvalue

Buckling should be applied to all the loads used in the buckling
analysis.
If you receive all negative buckling load factor values for your
Eigenvalue Buckling analysis and you wish to see them in the positive
values, or vice versa, reverse the direction of all of the loads you
applied in the Static Structural analysis when the Keep Pre-Stress
Load-Pattern property is set to Yes. If this property is set to No,
reverse the direction of all of the loads that you applied in Eigenvalue
Buckling analysis.

Preparing the Analysis

Create Analysis System

Basic general information about this topic

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Because this analysis is based on the Static Structural solution, a Static Structural
analysis is a prerequisite. This linked setup allows the two analysis systems to share
resources such as engineering data, geometry, and boundary condition type definitions
made in Static Structural analysis.

From the Toolbox, drag a Static Structural template to the Project Schematic.
Then, drag a Eigenvalue Buckling template directly onto the Solution cell of
the Static Structural template.

Define Engineering Data

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Young's modulus (or stiffness in some form) must be defined.

Material properties can be linear, nonlinear, isotropic or orthotropic,
and constant or temperature-dependent.

Attach Geometry

Basic general information about this topic

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There are no specific considerations for an Eigenvalue Buckling analysis.

Define Part Behavior

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There are no specific considerations for an Eigenvalue Buckling analysis.

Define Connections

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Linear-based Eigenvalue Buckling Analysis

 When the Formulation property is set to MPC, the Bonded and No
Separation options of the Type property are considered linear contact
behaviors for Eigenvalue Buckling analyses.

Springs with linear stiffness definition are taken into account if they are
present in the static analysis.

Only Bushing and General joints enable you to solve an analysis with
nonlinear Joint Stiffness. Mechanical considers all other joint types to be
linear. The application accounts for linear joints if they are present in the
static analysis.

Nonlinear-based Eigenvalue Buckling Analysis

All nonlinear connections (including nonlinear springs and joints) are

allowed.

Apply Mesh Controls/Preview Mesh

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There are no considerations specifically for an Eigenvalue Buckling analysis.

Establish Analysis Settings

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For an Eigenvalue Buckling analysis, the basic Analysis Settings include:

Options

Use the Max Modes to Find property to specify the number

of buckling load factors and corresponding buckling mode
shapes of interest. Typically the first (lowest) buckling load
factor is of interest. The default value for this field is 2. You
can change this default setting under the Buckling category of
the Frequency options in the Options preference settings
tool.
The Keep Pre-Stress Load-Pattern property is available for
nonlinear-based Eigenvalue Buckling analyses. Use this
 property to specify whether you want to retain the pre-stress
loading pattern to generate the perturbation loads in the
Eigenvalue Buckling analysis. The default setting for this
property is Yes, which automatically retains the structural
loading pattern for the buckling analysis (refer to
the ALLKEEP LoadControl key setting
for PERTURB command). Setting the property to No requires
you to define a new loading pattern for the Eigenvalue Buckling
analysis (refer to PARKEEP LoadControl key setting
for PERTURB command).

Important: The PARKEEP LoadControl key retains all

displacements applied in Static Structural analysis for
reuse in Eigenvalue Buckling analysis. Any non-zero
displacements applied in static analysis act as loads in
Eigenvalue Buckling analysis. If you specifying different
load types in the buckling analysis that are scoped to
the same geometric entities and in the same direction,
may be ignored. Please define your new loading pattern
carefully.
Solver Controls

Solver Type: The default option, Program Controlled,

allows the application to select the appropriate solver type.
Options include Program Controlled, Direct,
and Subspace. By default, the Program Controlled option
uses the Direct solver for Linear-based Eigenvalue Buckling
and Subspace solver for Nonlinear-based Eigenvalue Buckling
analyses.

Note: Both the Direct and Subspace solvers evaluate

the buckling solutions for most engineering problems. If
you experience a solution failure using one of the
solvers because it cannot find the requested modes, it
may help to switch the solvers. If both of the solvers fail
to find the solution, then review your model carefully for
possible stringent input specifications or loading
conditions.

Include Negative Load Multiplier: The default

option Program Controlled and Yes will extract both the
negative and positive eigenvalues (load multipliers). Set the
property to No to extract only positive eigenvalues (load
multipliers).
Output Controls

By default, only buckling load factors and corresponding buckling mode

shapes are calculated. You can request Stress and Strain results to be
calculated but note that stress results only show the relative distribution
of stress in the structure and are not real stress values.

Note: Output Controls are only exposed for the ANSYS solver.
Analysis Data Management

These properties enable you to define whether or not to save the

Mechanical APDL application database as well as automatically delete
unneeded files.

Define Initial Conditions

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You must point to a static structural analysis of the same model in the initial condition
environment.

An Eigenvalue Buckling analysis must be preceded by a Static

Structural analysis and the same solver type must be used for each
(ANSYS or Samcef).
The Pre-Stress Environment property in the Pre-Stress (Static
Structural) Initial Condition object displays whether the pre-stress
environment is considered linear or nonlinear for the Eigenvalue
Buckling analysis.
If the Static Structural analysis has multiple result sets, the value from
any restart point available in the Static Structural analysis can be used
as the basis for the Eigenvalue Buckling analysis. See the Restarts
from Multiple Result Sets topic in the Applying Pre-Stress Effects Help
section for more information.

Apply Loads and Supports

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Loads are supported by Eigenvalue Buckling analysis only when the pre-stressed
environment has nonlinearities defined.
The following loads are allowed for a nonlinear-based Eigenvalue Buckling analysis:

Loads: Thermal Condition

Direct FE (node-based Named Selection scoping and constant
loading only):
o Nodal Force
o Nodal Pressure
o Nodal Displacement - At least one non-
zero Component is required for the boundary condition to
be fully defined.

Note:
Choosing to keep the default setting (Yes) for the Keep Pre-
Stress Load-Pattern property retains the pre-stress loading
pattern for the buckling analysis and no additional load
definition is necessary.
For Nodal Pressure, the only definition option is Normal To.
This results in the "pressure load stiffness" effect. To avoid the
pressure stiffness effect, apply an equivalent Nodal
Force load to the same surface and set the Divide Load by
Nodes property to Yes. The equivalent force is equal to the
value of the pressure multiplied by the area of the scoped
surface.
The node-based Named Selections used with the above Direct
FE Loads cannot contain nodes scoped to a rigid body.

No loading conditions can be created in a linear-based Eigenvalue Buckling analysis.

The supports as well as the stress state from the linked Static Structural analysis are
used in the linear-based Eigenvalue Buckling analysis. See the Applying Pre-Stress
Effects for Implicit Analysis Help section for more information about using a pre-
stressed environment.

Solve

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Solution Information continuously updates any listing output from the solver and
provides valuable information on the behavior of the structure during the analysis.

Review Results

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You can view the buckling mode shape associated with a particular load factor by
displaying a contour plot or by animating the deformed mode shape. The contours
represent relative displacement of the part.

Buckling mode shape displays are helpful in understanding how a part or an assembly
deforms when buckling, but do not represent actual displacements.

Stresses from an Eigenvalue Buckling analysis do not represent actual stresses in the
structure, but they give you an idea of the relative stress distributions for each mode.
You can make Stress and Strain results available in the buckling analysis by setting
the proper Output Controls before the solution is processed.