9. Stability analysis of the bars in compression (buckling)

9.1. Stable and unstable equilibrium forms

It is known from theoretical mechanics that the equilibrium of the absolutely rigid body can be stable, indifferent and unstable. For example, a ball lying on the concave surface is in the stable equilibrium state. If a small deviation of this position is made and then released, it returns into its original position (Fig. 9.1 a). The ball lying on the horizontal surface is in the indifferent equilibrium state (Fig. 9.1 b).

а) b) c)

Fig. 9.1.

It does not return to original position being deviated but its movement will stop. At last the ball lying on the convex surface is in the unstable equilibrium state (Fig. 9.1 c). It continues to move further being deviated from the original state.

Analogous examples can be given from the equilibrium region of the deforming bodies.

So, the long bar under the action of the comparatively small axial compression force (lesser than some critical value) is in the stable equilibrium state (Fig. 9.2 a). If some lateral load bends the bar insignificantly, it straightens again and receives the original equilibrium shape.

The bended shape of the bar equilibrium in this case turns out unstable and because of it impossible.

Under the value of the compressive force greater than some critical value, on the contrary, the rectilinear equilibrium shape becomes unstable, so it is replaced by the deflected position of the equilibria that occurs to be stable (Fig.9.2 c).

The minimum value of the compressive force under which the compressive bar loses the ability to keep the rectilinear equilibrium shape is called the critical force and denoted F_cr (Fig. 9.2 b).

By Euler’s definition the force which is needed to incline slightly the column is called the critical force.

а) b) c)

Fig. 9.2.

The considered scheme of the axial compressive bar has a theoretic character. In practice it is necessary to take into account the fact that the compressive force can act with some eccentricity and the bar can have some (very slight) initial curvature. So, some bending of the bar is observed right from the start of the longitudinal loading.

Special investigations show that while the compressive force is lesser than the critical one, the bar defection will be small, but, when the force value approaches to its critical value they begin to increase quickly (Fig. 9.2 c).

This criterion (theoretically unlimited growth of the defection under the unlimited growth of the compressive force) can be accepted as a criterion of lateral buckling. Practically the bar will be broken earlier as the result of exhausting of the material strength.

Having determined the critical force it is necessary to obtain the allowable loading for the compressive bar.

For safety the allowable load, naturally, must be lesser than the critical:

(9.1)

where n_s is the safety factor of stability.

The accepted safety factor of stability is such as to ensure the reliable work of the bar in spite of the fact that the real condition of its work can be less favorable than the conditions accepted for the design (because of heterogeneity materials, inexactitudes in determining loads and so on). Then the safety factor of stability is accepted to be some more than the assurance coefficient because there are additional unfavorable circumstances: the initial bar curvature, the possible load action eccentricity and others.

For steel the normative safety factor of stability n_s is in the limits from 1.8 to 3, for cast-iron is from 5 to 5.5, for wood is from 2.8 to 3.2. The pointed values of the safety factor of stability are accepted when designing building constructions. The values accepted when designing the machine-building construction elements (for example the lead screw of the metal-working machine) are larger; so for steel they are n_s = 45. To take into account certain working conditions of compressive bars it is recommended to apply a system of particular coefficients, not one.

The elastic equilibrium loss of stability can also be in torsion, bending and combined deformations.

The analyses show that the loss of stability was the cause of numerous catastrophes and constructure failures.