Buckling of elastic columns with second-mode imperfections

The pin-ended, slender, Euler strut has been used as the archetypal buckling problem for many years (Euler in Additamentum I de curvis elasticis, methodus inveniendi lineas curvas maximi minimivi proprietate gaudentes, Bousquet, Lausanne, 1744). Even though it is not conventionally imperfection-sensitive (i.e., in which the magnitude of the buckling load is compromised by the presence of imperfections), initial geometric imperfections are still important, and 3D-printing now allows a versatility in geometric prescription and accuracy previously unavailable. This paper focuses attention on Euler struts, primarily from an experimental viewpoint, in which a second mode (full sine wave) initial shape, with varying magnitude, is used to produce specimens, test them, and compare with the elementary theory.

Duke Scholars

Author Lawrence N. Virgin Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materia ...