Coursecode: wb1405B
Coursename: Post-Buckling Behaviour

DUT creditpoints: 2
ECTS creditpoints: 3
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Marine Technology
Lecturer(s): Dr.ir. F. van Keulen Tel.: 015-2786515
Catalog data:
Buckling, post-buckling, stability, numerical methods, thermodynamics, nonlinearity, mode interaction, imperfections		 Course year: 3
Period: 0/0/0/2/2
Hours p/w: 2
Other hours: 3
Assessment: Essay and oral exam
Assessm.period(s): By appointm.
(see academic calendar)
Prerequisites: wb1405A (not necessarily)
Follow up:
Detailed description of topics:

The present course deals with the problem of elastic stability for conservative systems. The problem of the elastic stability is set in a thermodynamic context. The general theory of elastic stability will be discussed. The focus will be on buckling and initial post-buckling behaviour. As for engineering applications the effect of imperfections may be important, this aspect will be addressed in detail. The consequences of imperfection sensitive structures for structural optimization will be shown.
As most practical engineering problems are nowadays investigated using numerical analysis techniques, particularly the finite element method, computational aspects of nonlinear structural analyses will be presented. This is done for buckling and post-buckling analysis. Furthermore, special solution schemes, such as arc-length, will be discussed.

The contents of the course is as follows:
- The thermodynamic background of elastic stability
- General description of buckling and initial post-buckling
Simple models
General formulation
Mode interaction
- Computational aspects of buckling and initial post-buckling
General formulation
Stability points
Solution techniques
- Elastic stability in the context of structural optimization.
Course material: Handouts
References from literature:
  • Stability of Structures (Bazant & Cedolin, ISBN 0-19-505529-2)
  • A General Theory of Elastic Stability (Thompson & Hunt, ISBN 0-471-85991-5)
Remarks (specific information about assesment, entry requirements, etc.):
Examination by appointment
Goals:
For many practical engineering design tasks it is essential to bear in mind fundamental knowledge of the theory of elastic stability. The purpose of the present course is to familiarize the student with this theory. Moreover, as most practical engineering problems are solved numerically nowadays, this course focusses on computational aspects of the problem of elastic stability. Especially the consequences for the design of structures are highlighted.
Computer use:
During the course much attention is being paid to numerical methods. For some of the exercises the students are requested to apply nonlinear finite element packages.
Laboratory project(s): No
Design content:
Stability is among the important aspects to be addressed during the design stage of thin-walled structures. Especially a pronounced sensitivity with respect to imperfections may have major consequences. Tools to enable simulation of these phenomena will be presented throughout the present course and their relevance for design procesees will be demonstrated.
Percentage of design: 40%