Finite-Element Elastic Buckling Analysis

An iterative buckling analysis is formulated, using matrix methods and finite elements. Examples are presented of column analyses that use both the force and displacement methods of structural analysis. The analysis procedure appears to be suitable for programming on the digital computer. Elastic boundary conditions and irregular geometry and structural properties enter the formulation easily and naturally. The procedure requires no special derivations of elements and only one linear analysis of the structure. The results of the linear analysis are utilized to form an eigenvalue problem that is solved for the buckling load. The procedure appears applicable to more complicated problems than the examples, such as plate buckling or local crippling.