Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling

Introduction

When slightly disturbed from an equilibrium configuration, does a system tend to

return to its equilibrium position or does it tend to depart even further?

Fig. 9.1 Example of (a) stable, (b) neutral, and (c) unstable equilibrium.

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling

Elastic Stability

Make
Stable
Fig. 9.3 (a)
Fig. 9.2 Hinged bar is (a) stable for
tensile load, (b) unstable for
compressive load.

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling

Px > 2kxL (unstable)

Px < 2kxL (stable) (9.1)

P = 2kL (critical load or buckling load)

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling

Fig. 9.4 Transverse displacement x due to load eccentricity ε.

P ( x + ε ) = 2kxL If P is not too close to the critical load (e.g., P < 12 Pcrit )
the equilibrium displacement (x) is small.
P
x =ε (9.2)
2kL − P

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 Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling

Examples of Instability

Fig. 9.7 Buckling of

a column under a
compressive load.
Fig. 9.6 Twist-bend buckling of a
deep, narrow beam.

Fig. 9.9 Twist-bend buckling of a shaft in torsion.

Fig. 9.8 Buckling and crumpling of the cylindrical walls

of a can subjected to compressive force. Fig. 9.10 “Snap-through” instability of a shallow curved member.

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling

Elastic Stability of Flexible Columns

Fig. 9.11 (a) Beam subjected to

longitudinal and transverse loads; (b) free-
body sketch of element of beam.

dV
(V + ∆V ) − V + q∆x = 0 +q=0
dx
∆x ∆x dM b dv
( M b + ∆M b ) − M b + V + (V + ∆V ) + P∆v = 0 (9.3) +V + P = 0 (9.4)
2 2 dx dx

d2 d 2v d dv d 2v
2
( EI 2 ) + ( P ) = q (9.6) EI 2 = M b (9.5)
dx dx dx dx dx

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling

Boundary conditions
v=0 
 M b = 0
dv  at x = 0  at x = L (9.7)
= 0 V =0 
dx 

Fig. 9.12 Column in a state of neutral equilibrium

in the bent position.

d 2v 
M b = EI 2 = 0 
dx
2  at x = L (9.8)
−V = ( EI 2 ) + P = 0 
d d v dv
dx dx dx 

When EI and P are constants, the governing equation (9.6) is

d 4v d 2v
EI 4 + P 2 = 0 (9.9)
dx dx

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling

A solution to (9.9) for arbitrary values of the four constants is

P P
v = c1 + c2 x + c3 sin x + c4 cos x (9.10)
EI EI
Substituting (9.10) into the four boundary conditions of (9.7) and (9.8)
c1 + c4 =0
P
c2 + c3 =0
EI (9.11)
P P P P
− c3 sin L − c4 cos L=0
EI EI EI EI
c2 P =0
This is an eigenvalue problem.
c2 = c3 = 0 and c4 = − c1
Then the third equation becomes simply

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling

P P
c1 cos L=0 (9.12)
EI EI
This can be satisfied by having a value of P such that

P
cos L=0 (9.13)
EI
The smallest value of P meeting this condition is
π 2 EI
P= 2
(Critical load) (9.14)
4 L
Substituting back into (9.10), the corresponding deflection curve is
 π x
v = c1  1 − cos  (9.15)
 2 L
For smaller value of P the straight column is stable.

For larger value of P the straight column is no longer stable.
Buckling

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling

Another insight into column buckling:

imperfection in either the column or the loading

Fig. 9.13 Flexible column held in equilibrium by (a) a longitudinal

compressive force P with eccentricity є and (b) the same compressive
force P plus an end moment M0 . The equivalence of the two loadings
is shown in (c).

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling

Boundary conditions:
v=0 
 Mb = M0 
dv  at x = 0  at x = L
= 0 V =0 
dx 
c1 + c4 =0
P
c2 + c3 =0
EI (9.16)
P P P P M
− c3 sin L − c4 cos L= 0
EI EI EI EI EI
c2 P =0

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling

M 0 1 − cos P / EI x
v=
P cos P / EI L

x=L
M0  P 
δ =  sec L − 1 (9.17)
P  EI 

which reduces to

 P 
δ = ε  sec L − 1 (9.18)
 EI  Fig. 9.14 Relation between compressive force P and transverse
deflection δ due to eccentricity є .

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling

Fig. 9.15 Critical loads for (a) clamped-free, (b)

hinged-hinged, (c) clamped-hinged, and (d)
clamped-clamped columns. In each case the
constant c shown is to be inserted in the formula
Pcrit = cEI/L2.

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling

Sun kink in rail tracks Lateral-torsional buckling of an aluminium

alloy plate girder designed and built by
students atImperial College London.

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling

Elastic Postbuckling Behavior

Fig. 9.16 Strut supported by nonlinear springs with f = kx(1+βx2/L2) .

 x2 
f = kx 1 + β 2  (9.19)
 L 
where β is a parameter which fixes the nature of the nonlinearity
β > 0: stiffening spring
β < 0: softening spring

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling

From Fig. 9.16(b)

 x2   x2 
Px − 2kLx 1 + β 2  = 0 x=0 or P = 2kL  1 + β 2 
 L   L 

Pcrit = 2kL B : bifurcation point

Fig. 9.17 Ideal postbuckling curves for (a) β = 10, (b) β = 0, (c) β = -10.

In every case the branch BD represents unstable equilibrium positions.

stable equilibrium positions. for β > 0
The branch BC represents neutral equilibrium positions. for β = 0
unstable equilibrium positions. for β < 0

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling

When the load is positioned slightly off-center:

 x2 
P ( x + ε ) = 2kLx 1 + β 2  (9.20)
 L 

Fig. 9.18 Eccentric load on strut supported by nonlinear springs.

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling

Fig. 9.19 Effect of imperfection parameter є/L on postbuckling behavior for (a) β = 10, (b) β = 0, (c) β = -10.

Fig. 9.20 Maximum load for softening nonlinearity (β = -10 ) depends on magnitude of imperfection.

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling
Extension of Euler’s Formula To Columns with Other End
Conditions
Free end A and Fixed
Fixed end B
Behaves as the upper half of a pin-
connected column.
ㆍEffective length: Le = 2 L
ㆍCritical Load:

π 2 EI π 2 EI (11- 11’)
Pcr = = 2
4 L L e
ㆍCritical Stress:
π 2E
σ cr = 2
(11- 13’)
( Le / r )
Le / r : Effective slenderness ratio

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling
Extension of Euler’s Formula To Columns with Other End
Conditions (continued)
Two Fixed ends A and B
ㆍThe shear at C and the horizontal components of the reaction at A and B are 0.
ㆍRestraints upon AC and CB are identical.
ㆍPortion AC and BC: symmetric about its midpoint D and E.
→ D and E are points of inflection (M=0)
ㆍPortion DE must behave as a pin- ended column.

→ The effective length is: L = L / 2

e

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling
Extension of Euler’s Formula To Columns with Other End
Conditions (continued)
One Pin-
Pin- Connected end A and One Fixed end B
ㆍDifferential equation of the elastic curve:
Portion AQ: M = − Py − Vx
d2y M Py Vx d2y 2 Vx
= = − − + p y = −
dx 2 EI EI EI , dx 2 EI

2 P
,where p = (11- 6)
EI
V V
Particular solution is: y = − 2
x = − x
p EI P
V
General solution is: y = A sin px + B cos px − x
P

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling
Extension of Euler’s Formula To Columns with Other End
Conditions (continued)
One Pin-
Pin- Connected end A and One Fixed end B (continued)
V
BC 1: y ( 0) = o → A sin pL = L (11- 17)
P
dy V
= Ap cos px −
dx P
BC 2: y ( L) = o, dy / dx x = L = o
dy V V
= Ap cos pL − = 0 Ap cos pL = (11- 18)
dx P , P
(11- 17, 18): tan pL = pL → pL = 4.4934 (11- 19, 20)

20.19 EI
(11- 6): Pcr = (11- 21)
L2
(11- 11, 21’):
π 2 EI 20.19 EI , Le = 0.699 L ≈ 0.7 L
2
=
Le L2

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling
Extension of Euler’s Formula To Columns with Other End
Conditions (continued)

Effective length of column for various end conditions

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling
Extension of Euler’s Formula To Columns with Other End
Conditions (continued)
Sample Problem 11.1
An aluminum column of length L and
rectangular cross section has a fixed end B
and supports a centric load at A. Two smooth
and rounded fixed plates restrain end A from
moving in one of the vertical planes of
symmetry of the column, but allow it to move
in the other plane. (a) Determine the ratio a/ b
of the two sides of the cross section
corresponding to the most efficient design
against buckling. (b) Design the most efficient
cross section for the column, knowing that
L=500 mm, E=70 GPa, P=20 kN, and that a
factor safety of 2.5 is required.

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling
Extension of Euler’s Formula To Columns with Other End
Conditions (continued)
SAMPLE PROBLEM 11.1
Buckling in x, y plane
Effective length with respect to buckling in this plane: Le = 0.7 L.
Radius of gyration: rz = I z / A = (1 / 12)ba 3 / ab = a / 12
Effective slenderness ratio: Le / rz = (0.7 L) /( a / 12 ) (1)
Buckling in x, z plane
Effective length with respect to buckling in this plane: Le = 2 L
3
Radius of gyration: ry = I y / A = (1 / 12)ab / ab = b / 12
Effective slenderness ratio: Le / ry = (2 L) /(b / 12 ) (2)
(a) Most effective design.
→The critical stresses corresponding to the possible modes of buckling are equal.
π 2E 0.7 L 2L a
σ cr = 2 → = ; = 0.35
( Le / r ) a / 12 b / 12 b

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling
Extension of Euler’s Formula To Columns with Other End
Conditions (continued)
Sample Problem11.1
(b) Design for given data.
Pcr = ( F .S .) P = (2.5)(20kN) = 50kN
3
Pcr 50 × 10 N
σ cr = = 2
( A = ab = (0.35b)b )
A 0.35b
L = 0.5m; eqn(2) → Le / ry = 3.464 / b

π 2E 3
50 × 10 N π 2 (70 × 109 Pa)
σ cr = 2
= 2
= 2
( Le / r ) 0.35b (3.464 / b)

b = 39.7mm a = 0.35b = 13.9mm

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling
Eccentric Loading: The Secant Formula
Portion AQ:
Bending moment at Q is
M = − Py − M A = − Py − Pe (11- 22)

d2y M P Pe
2
= =− y−
dx EI EI EI
d2y 2 2
2
+ p y = − p e (11- 23)
dx

where, p 2 =
P
EI
General solution of (11- 23):

y = A sin px + B cos px − e (11- 24)

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling
Eccentric Loading: The Secant Formula (continued)
Boundary conditions:

y ( 0) = 0 B=e
y ( L) = 0 A sin pL = e(1 − cos pL) (11- 25)
pL
A = e tan
2
pL pL 2 pL
(since sin pL = 2 sin cos and 1 − cos pL = 2 sin )
2 2 2

 pL 
y = e tan sin px + cos px − 1 (11- 26)
 2 

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling
Eccentric Loading: The Secant Formula (continued)
The value of the maximum deflection is obtained by setting x = L / 2 .

 pL pL pL 
ymax = e tan sin + cos − 1
 2 2 2 
 pL 2 pL 
 tan cos 
= e 2 2 − 1
 pL 
 cos 
 2 
 pL 
ymax = e sec − 1 (11- 27)
 2 
  P L   2 P (11- 28)
ymax = e sec  − 1

p =


EI 
  EI 2  

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling
Eccentric Loading: The Secant Formula (continued)
ymax becomes infinite when
P L π
= (11- 29)
EI 2 2
While the deflection does not actually become infinite, and P should
not be allowed to reach the critical value which satisfies (11- 29).

π 2 EI
Pcr = 2
(11- 30)
L
Solving (11- 30) for EI and substituting into (11- 28),

 π P  
ymax = e sec  − 1

(11- 31)
  2 Pcr  

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling
Eccentric Loading: The Secant Formula (continued)
P M max c
The maximum stress: σ max = + (11- 32)
A I

Portion AC: M max = Pymax + M A = P ( ymax + e )

P ( ymax + e)c P  ( ymax + e)c 

σ max = + = 1 + 2  (11- 33)
A I A r 
Substituting ymax
(11- 34)
P  ec  P L 
σ max = 1 + 2 sec 

A  r  EI 2 
(11- 35)
P  ec  π P 
= 1 + 2 sec  
A  r 2 Pcr 

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling
Eccentric Loading: The Secant Formula (continued)
Since the maximum stress does not vary linearly with the load P,
the principle of superposition does not apply to the determination of
the stress due to the simultaneous application of several loads; the
resultant load must first be computed, and (11- 34) or (11- 35) may be
used to determine the corresponding stress. For the same reason, any
given factor of safety should be applied to the load, and not to the
stress.

The Secant Formula

(11- 34): Making I = Ar 2

P σ max
= (11- 36)
A ec  1 P Le 
1 + 2 sec 
r 2 EA r 

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling
Eccentric Loading: The Secant Formula (continued)

For a steel column 6

E = 29 × 10 psi σ Y
= 36 ksi

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 Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling
Eccentric Loading: The Secant Formula (continued)
For all small value of Le / r 2, the secant is almost equal to 1:

P σ max
= (11- 37)
A 1 + ec
r2
For large values of Le / r 2, the curves corresponding to the various
values of the ratio ec / r 2 get very close to Euler’s curve defined by
(11.13’), and thus that the effect of the eccentricity of the loading
on the value of P / A becomes negligible.

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 Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling
Eccentric Loading: The Secant Formula (continued)
Sample Problem 11.2
The uniform column AB consists of an 8- ft section of structural
tubing having the cross section shown. (a) Using Euler’s formula
and a factor of safety of two, determine the allowable centric load
for the column and the corresponding normal stress. (b) Assuming
that the allowable load, found in part a, is applied as shown at a
point 0.75 in. from the geometric axis of he column, determine the
horizontal deflection of the top of the column and the maximum
6
normal stress in the column. Use E = 29 × 10 psi .

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 Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling
Eccentric Loading: The Secant Formula (continued)
Effective Length
One end fixed and one end free: L e = 2 ( 8 f t ) = 1 6 f t = 1 9 2 i n .
Critical Load
Using Euler’s formula,
2 2 6 4
π EI π ( 2 9 × 1 0 p s i )( 8 .0 0 in )
Pc r = 2
= 2
= 6 2 .1 k s i
Le 192

(a) Allowable Load and Stress

Pcr 62.1ksi
For a factor of safety of 2: Pall = = = 31.1kips
F .S . 2
Pa ll 3 1 .1k si
σ = = 2
= 8 .7 9 k si
A 3 .5 4 in

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Stability of Equilibrium: Buckling

Eccentric Loading: The Secant Formula (continued)

(b) Eccentric Load.

Column AB (Fig. 1) and its loading are identical to the

upper half of the upper half of the Fig. 2.

Horizontal deflection of point A:

 π P     π  
ymax = e sec   
− 1 = (0.75in) sec   − 1

 2 2 
 2 P  
cr
Fig. 1
= 0 .9 3 9 in
Maximum normal stress:
P  ec π P 31.1kips  (0.75in)(2in) π 
σ max = 1 + 2 sec   = 1 + sec 
P  3.54in  2 2
2 2
A r 2 cr
(1.50in)
= 2 2 .0 k s i

Fig. 2

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