Buckling

15-Jan-14

RM

Load carrying structures may fail in a variety of

ways depending upon:
The type of structures
The conditions of support
The kinds of loads
The material of the structure etc

15-Jan-14

RM

For instance, an axle in a vehicle may fracture

suddenly from repeated cycles of loading or a
beam may deflect excessively, so that the
structure is unable to perform its intended
functions.

15-Jan-14

RM

These kinds of failures are prevented by

designing structures so that the maximum
stress and maximum displacement remain
within tolerable limits.
Thus, strength and stiffness are important
factors in design.

15-Jan-14

RM

In addition to understanding stress and

material failure due to tension & compression,
buckling needs to be investigated.

15-Jan-14

RM

Buckling is one of the major causes of failures

in structures, and therefore the possibility of
buckling should always be considered in
design.

15-Jan-14

RM

Buckling has become more of a problem in

recent years since the use of high strength
material requires less material for load support
- structures and components have become
generally more slender and buckle-prone.

15-Jan-14

RM

If a component or part thereof is prone to

buckling then its design must satisfy both
strength and buckling safety constraints - that
is why we now examine the subject of
buckling.

15-Jan-14

RM

When a structure (subjected to compression)

undergoes visibly large displacements
transverse to the load then it is said to buckle.

For small loads the process is elastic since

buckling displacements disappear when the
load is removed.

15-Jan-14

RM

Local buckling of plates or shells is indicated

by the growth of bulges, waves or ripples,
and is commonly encountered in the
component plates of thin structural members.

15-Jan-14

RM

10

Buckling proceeds in manner which may be

either:
stable - in which case displacements
increase in a controlled fashion as loads are
increased, i.e. the structure's ability to sustain
loads is maintained.
unstable - in which case deformations
increases instantaneously, the load carrying
capacity nose- dives and the structure collapses
terribly
15-Jan-14

RM

11

Neutral equilibrium is also a theoretical

possibility during buckling - this is
characterized by deformation increase without
change in load.

15-Jan-14

RM

12

While buckling can occur in plates and

shells, column buckling is most common
and easiest understood.

15-Jan-14

RM

13

Pcr

A column is a long, slender

structural member loaded axially
in compression as shown.

15-Jan-14

RM

14

Pcr

If a compression member is
relatively slender, it may deflect
laterally & fail by bending, as
shown, rather than failing by
direct compression of the
material.

15-Jan-14

RM

15

If an object buckles, it does not necessarily

mean it has failed, but a buckled structure
will experience significant lateral deflection.
Furthermore, a buckled column structure will
not sustain any significant additional load.

15-Jan-14

RM

16

You can demonstrate this behavior by

compressing a plastic ruler or other slender
object.
When lateral bending occurs, we say that the
column has buckled.
Under an increasing axial load, the lateral
deflections will increase too and eventually the
column will collapse completely.

15-Jan-14

RM

17

In columns many issues can cause pre-mature

buckling, such as:
misaligned loads
material imperfections
varying structural dimensions

15-Jan-14

RM

18

When any long slender object is loaded in the

axial direction, it will buckle when the load
reaches a particular level.
This load, called the critical load, Pcr, is when
the object will deflect significantly in the lateral
direction (perpendicular to the load).
After buckling starts, the structure will not be
able to sustain any additional loads.

15-Jan-14

RM

19

For an ideal column, buckling will not occur

until Pcr has been reached.
Thus the column will have no lateral deflection
up to Pcr, and then all at one time, the member
will deflect.

This is plotted in the diagram on the next slide.

15-Jan-14

RM

20

Load P

Pcr
Load-Deflection
path

Lateral deflection v

Load Deflection Diagram for Column Buckling

15-Jan-14

RM

21

The beam's internal resistance to bending

keeps the beam from buckling.
However, at some point, the potential moment
generated by the axial load will be greater than
the internal resisting moment, and the column
will buckle.

15-Jan-14

RM

22

Buckling and Stability

Rigid
Bar

L
R

To illustrate fundamental
concepts of buckling & stability,
we will analyze the idealized
structure or buckling model as
shown.

Rigid
Bar

(b)

15-Jan-14

RM

23

This hypothetical structure consists of two rigid

bars AB & BC, each of length of L.
They are joined at point B by a pin connection
and held in vertical position by a spring having
rotational stiffness as R.

15-Jan-14

RM

24

This idealised structure is analogous to the

previous column, because both structures have
simple supports at the ends and are
compressed by an axial load P.
However, elasticity of the idealised structure is
concentrated in the rotational spring where a
column can be bend throughout its lengthy.

15-Jan-14

RM

25

In the idealized structure, the two bars are

perfectly aligned and the axial load P has its
line of action along the longitudinal axis.

Consequently the spring is initially unstressed

and the bars are in direct compression.

15-Jan-14

RM

26

Now suppose that the structure is disturbed by

some external force that causes point B to
move a small distance laterally.

15-Jan-14

RM

27

The rigid bar rotate through small angle

a moment develops in the spring.

and

The direction of this moment is such that it

tends to returns the structure to its original
position.
Therefore, it is called restoring moment.

15-Jan-14

RM

28

Rigid
Bar

L
R
R

B
B

Rigid
Bar

MB

A
(a)

(b)

(c)

Buckling of an idealized structure consisting

of two rigid bar & rotational spring
15-Jan-14

RM

29

At the same time, the tendency of the axial

compressive force is to increase the lateral
displacement.

Thus, these two actions have opposite effectsthe restoring moment tend to decrease the
displacement and the axial force tend to
increase it.

15-Jan-14

RM

30

Now consider what happens when the

disturbing force is removed.
If the axial force P is relatively small, the action
of the restoring moment will predominate over
the action of the axial force and the structure
will return to its initial straight position.
Under these condition, the structure is said to
be stable.
15-Jan-14

RM

31

However, if the axial force P is large, the lateral

displacement of point B will increase and the
bars will rotate through larger and larger until
the structure collapses.
The condition, the structure is unstable and
fails by lateral buckling.

15-Jan-14

RM

32

Critical Load
The transition between the stable and unstable
conditions occurs at a special value of the axial
force known as critical load (Pcr).

We can determine the critical load of our

buckling model by considering the structure in
the disturbed position and investigating its
equilibrium.

15-Jan-14

RM

33

First we consider the entire structure as a free

body and sum moments about support A. This
step leads to the conclusion that there is no
horizontal reaction at support C.
Second, we consider bar BC as a free body
and note that it is subjected to the action of the
axial force P and moment MB in the spring.

15-Jan-14

RM

34

Rigid
Bar

L
R
R

B
B

Rigid
Bar

MB
A

A
(a)

(b)

(c)

Buckling of an idealized structure consisting

of two rigid bar & rotational spring
15-Jan-14

RM

35

The moment MB is equal to the rotational

stiffness R times the angle of rotation 2 of the
spring.

MB = 2

15-Jan-14

RM

36

Since the angle is small quantity, the lateral

displacement (v) of point B is L/2.
As for small angle ( )
sin =

15-Jan-14

RM

= v / L

37

We obtain the following equation of

equilibrium by summing moments about point
B for bar BC:
MB = 0
MB - Pv = 0
Therefore:
MB = P ( L/2)

15-Jan-14

RM

38

Therefore, we have:
MB = 2 R
MB = P ( L/2)
Comparing, we have:
2 R - PL = 0

15-Jan-14

RM

39

(2 R - PL) = 0
The above equation have two solutions, one
solution of this equation is = 0.

This is trivial solution and merely means that

the structure is in equilibrium when it is
perfectly straight, regardless of the magnitude
of the force P.

15-Jan-14

RM

40

(2 R - PL) = 0
The second solution is obtained by setting the
term in parentheses equal to zero and solving
for the load P, which is critical load:
Pcr = 4 R / L
At the critical value of the load the structure is
in equilibrium regardless of the magnitude of
the angle (provided the angle remains small
as assumed).

15-Jan-14

RM

41

From the preceding analysis we see that the

critical load is the only load for which the
structure will be in equilibrium in the disturbed
position.

15-Jan-14

RM

42

At this value of the load, the resorting effect of

the moment in the spring just matches the
buckling effect of the axial load.

Therefore, the critical load represents the

boundary between the stable and unstable
conditions.

15-Jan-14

RM

43

If the axial load is less than Pcr the effect of the

moment in the spring predominates and the
structure returns to the vertical position after a
slight disturbance.
If the axial load is larger than the Pcr the effect
of the axial force predominates and the
structure buckles:
if P < Pcr the structure is stable
if P > Pcr the structure is unstable
15-Jan-14

RM

44

Pcr = 4

/L

From the above it can be seen that the stability

of the structure can be increased either by
increasing its stiffness or by decreasing its
length.

15-Jan-14

RM

45

Unstable Equilibrium

P
B

Neutral Equilibrium
Pcr

Stable Equilibrium

15-Jan-14

Equilibrium Diagram for buckling

of an idealized structure
RM

46

BucklingP and bending are similar in that they

both involve bending moments.
Bending

M = Px

15-Jan-14

M=P
buckling
RM

47

Buckling and bending are similar in that they both

involve bending moments.
P

P
Bending

M = Px

15-Jan-14

M=P
buckling
RM

48

Buckling and bending are similar in that they both

involve bending moments.
P
P

M = Px
bending
15-Jan-14

Buckling

M=P

RM

49

Buckling and bending are similar in that they both

involve bending moments.
P
P

M = Px
bending
15-Jan-14

M=P
buckling
RM

50

In bending these moments are substantially

independent of the resulting deflections.
Whereas in buckling the moments and
deflections are mutually inter-dependent - so
moments, deflections and stresses are not
proportional to loads

15-Jan-14

RM

51

If buckling deflections become too large then

the structure fails - this is a geometric
consideration, completely divorced from any
material strength consideration.

15-Jan-14

RM

52

Differential Equation for

Column Buckling

15-Jan-14

RM

53

Euler's Formula for SS Column

The theoretical buckling load, Pcr, for a basic
column can be determined and the resulting
equation(s) are called Euler's formula.
This formula is also called as differential
equation for column buckling

15-Jan-14

RM

54

Recall from beam deflections topic, as

discussed in MoM, the following relationships:
EI (d4v/dx4) = - q
EI (d3v/dx3) = V
EI (d2v/dx2) = M
The above equations are applicable to a buckled
column as well because the column bends as
through as were beams.
15-Jan-14

RM

55

The simplest column to develop the buckling

equations is when both ends are simply
supported by a pin joint (also called a pinnedpinned column).
This means that it can not deflect at the joint,
but it can rotate as shown in the diagram on
the next slide.

15-Jan-14

RM

56

Simply supported (Pinned-pinned)

column in Buckled Mode
15-Jan-14

RM

57

If the column is loaded and starts to deflect

laterally, then the moment in the column must
equal the moment caused by the load P at
each end.
This condition can be better understood by
taking a section cut at any point along the
column and constructing a free-body diagram.

15-Jan-14

RM

58

P
x
v

P
L

x
y

15-Jan-14

RM

59

P
x
v

P
L

x
y

MA = 0
M + Pv = 0
15-Jan-14

RM

(A)
60

The moment M, is drawn in the positive

direction, even though it may actually act in
the opposite direction.
The distance v is the lateral deflection at the
cut location, x, from the bottom pin joint.

15-Jan-14

RM

61

If the column is rotated 90o, it becomes a

simply supported beam.
y

M
P
v

15-Jan-14

RM

62

If the column is rotated 90o, it becomes a

simply supported beam.
As such, the beam bending equations are still
valid and can be used.
From beam deflections, the moment is
related to the deflection as:
d2 v
M
=
dx2
EI

15-Jan-14

RM

(B)

63

Combining the two previous equations (A)

and (B) gives:
d2v
P
+
v = 0
2
dx
EI
d2v
EI
+
Pv = 0
2
dx
This is the differential equation of the
deflection curve.
15-Jan-14

RM

64

d2v
EI
+ Pv = 0
2
dx
By solving the above equation, which is a
homogenous linear differential equation of 2nd
order with constant coefficients of integration,
we can determine the magnitude of the critical
load and the deflected shape of the buckled
column.
15-Jan-14

RM

65

For convenience of solution of the equation, we

introduce the notation as under;

Therefore:

15-Jan-14

RM

66

d2v
EI
+
Pv = 0
2
dx
Rewriting the above equation as

d2v
2v = 0
k
+
dx2

15-Jan-14

RM

67

d2v
EI
+
Pv = 0
2
dx
Rewriting the above equation as

d2v
2v = 0
k
+
dx2
The above equation has a general solution as
v = C1sin kx + C2cos kx
15-Jan-14

RM

68

This is a standard differential equation which

has a general solution of

v = C1sin

15-Jan-14

x + C2cos

RM

69

v = C1sin

C2cos
+
x

Where C1 and C2 are unknown constants of

integration that depend on the boundary
conditions of the differential equation.
In this particular case, both ends of the beam
or column are pinned so that we have the BCs:
v = 0 when x = 0
(1)
v = 0 when x = L.
(2)
15-Jan-14

RM

70

The first condition, vx=0 = 0 gives

0 = C1 (0) + C2 (1)

15-Jan-14

=>

RM

C2 = 0

71

The second condition, vx=L = 0 gives

C1sinkL = 0
From this equation, we can possibly have two
cases:
either
case I
when
C1 = 0
or
case II
when
sinkL = 0

15-Jan-14

RM

72

Case 1
If the constant C1 is zero the deflection v is
also zero

v = C1sin

Therefore the column remains straight.

15-Jan-14

RM

73

Case 1

If the constant C1 is zero the deflection v is

also zero and therefore the column remains
straight.
In addition, we note that when C1 equals
zero, the following equation is satisfied for
any value of the quantity kL:
sinkL = 0
Consequently, the axial load P may also have
any value as

15-Jan-14

RM

74

This solution of the differential equation (known

in mathematics as the trivial solution) is
represented by the vertical axis of the loaddeflection diagram shown on next slide.

15-Jan-14

RM

75

Unstable Equilibrium

P
B

Neutral Equilibrium
Pcr

Stable Equilibrium

Load-deflection Diagram for an idealized structure

15-Jan-14

RM

76

It gives the behavior of an ideal column that is

in equilibrium (either stable or unstable) in the
straight position (no deflection) under the
action of the compressive load P.

15-Jan-14

RM

77

Case 2
The 2nd possibility for satisfying the above
equation is given by the following equation,
known as buckling equation:
sinkL = 0
This equation is satisfied when
kL = n
n = 1, 2, 3, . . . .
Or
k=n /L
k2 = (n /L)2 = n2 2 / L2
15-Jan-14

RM

78

k2 = (n /L)2 = n2

/ L2 = n2

/ L2

But, we initially assumed that

EI
Therefore, comparing the above equation
P = (n2

15-Jan-14

/ L2) EI

RM

n = 1, 2, 3, . . . .

79

P = (n2 2 / L2) EI n = 1, 2, 3, . . . .
This formula gives the value of P that satisfy
the buckling equation and provide solutions
(other than the trivial solution) to the differential
equation.
The equation of the deflection curve is,
therefore:
v = C1sinkx
= C1sin(n /L)x n = 1, 2, 3, . . . .
15-Jan-14

RM

80

When P has one of the value as under:

P = (n2 2 / L2) EI n = 1, 2, 3, . . . .
then only it is theoretically possible for the
column to have a bent shape as expressed by
the following deflection curve:
v = C1sin(n x/L) n = 1, 2, 3, . . . .

15-Jan-14

RM

81

For all other values of P, the column is in

equilibrium only if it remains straight.
Therefore, the value of P above are the critical
loads for this column.

15-Jan-14

RM

82

Since C1 cannot be zero (would be trivial

solution, v = 0), the sin function must be
equal to zero which requires,
P L = np (n =1,2,3,4,..)
EI

15-Jan-14

RM

83

The lowest load is when n equals 1, and is

referred to as the critical load Pcr.
Euler's formula for a pinned-pinned column is
Pcr =

15-Jan-14

EI

L2

RM

84

Other buckling modes (i.e. n > 1) do exist, but

are less common since it takes a larger load
to produce this configuration.

The first three buckling modes are shown in

the diagram at the next slide.

15-Jan-14

RM

85

Pc

Pc

Pc

L/3

L/3
L
L/3

15-Jan-14

Pc

Pc

Pc

n=1

n=2

n=3

RM

86

Pc

Pc

Pc

L/3

L/3
L
L/3

15-Jan-14

Pc

Pc

Pc

n=1

n=2

n=3

RM

87

Pc

Pc

Pc

L/3

L/3
L
L/3

15-Jan-14

Pc

Pc

Pc

n=1

n=2

n=3

RM

88

Critical Load
The lowest critical load for a column with pin
ends is obtained when n=1.
Pcr =

EI

L2

The corresponding buckle shape (also called

as mode shape) is
v = C1 sin x/L

15-Jan-14

RM

89

Pc

C1

The constant C1 represents the

deflection at the mid of the column
& may have any small value, either
positive/negative. Hence the part of
the load-deflection corresponding to
Pcr is a horizontal straight line.

Pc

15-Jan-14

RM

90

Unstable Equilibrium

P
B

Neutral Equilibrium
Pcr

Stable Equilibrium

15-Jan-14

Load-deflection Diagram for

an idealized structure
RM

91

Thus, the deflection at the critical load is

undefined, although it must remain small for
our equation.
Above the bifurcation point B the equilibrium
is unstable, and below point B it is stable.
Buckling of a pinned-end column in the first
mode is called the fundamental case of
column buckling.
The type of buckling described is called Euler
buckling and the critical load is often called
as Euler load.
15-Jan-14

RM

92

Pc

C1

C1

The mode shape for n=2 has two

half-wave. The corresponding critical
load is Pcr is four times larger than the
critical load for the fundamental load.
The magnitude of the critical load is
proportional to the square of n, and
number of half waves in the buckled
shape is equal to n.

Pc
n=2

15-Jan-14

RM

93

Buckled shapes of the higher modes are

often of no practical interest because the
column buckles when the axial load P
reaches its lowest critical value.
The only way to obtain modes of buckling
higher than the first is to provide lateral
support of the column at intermediate points,
such as at the midpoint of the column shown
above.

15-Jan-14

RM

94