M.

Tech (Comutational Design) NONLINEAR BUCKLING ANALYSIS OF

COLUMNS AND BEAM-COLUMNS
MINOR-II

A DISSERTATION

SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS

FOR THE AWARD OF DEGREE
OF

MASTER OF TECHNOLOGY
IN
COMUTATIONAL DESIGN

Submitted by:

ISHITA

2K18/CDN/03

Under the supervision of

ISHITA

Dr. ATUL KUMAR AGARWAL

(Professor)
2019-2020

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL & PRODUCTION

ENGINEERING
DELHI TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
(Formerly Delhi College of Engineering)
Bawana Road, Delhi-110042

MAY, 2019
 DELHI TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

(Formerly Delhi College of Engineering)

Bawana Road, Delhi - 110042

CANDIDATE’S DECLARATION

I, Ishita, Roll No. 2K18/CDN/03 student of M.Tech (Computational Design), hereby

declare that the project Dissertation titled “ NONLINEAR BUCKLING

ANALYSIS OF COLUMNS AND BEAM-COLUMNS” which is submitted by me

to the Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Delhi Technological

University, Delhi in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of the degree

of Master of Technology, is original and not copied from any source without proper

citation. This work has not previously formed the basis for the award of and Degree,

Diploma Associate ship, Fellowship or other similar title or recognition.

Place: Delhi Ishita

Date:

i
 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL AND PRODUCTION ENGINEERING

DELHI TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

(Formerly Delhi College of Engineering)

Bawana Road, Delhi - 110042

CERTIFICATE

I hereby certify that the Project Dissertation titled “Nonlinear Buckling Analysis of

Columns and Beam Columns” which is submitted by Ishita, 2K18/CDN/03

Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Delhi Technological

University, Delhi in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of the degree

of Master of Technology, is a record of the project work carried out by the students

under my supervision. To the best of my knowledge this work has not been submitted

in part or full for any Degree or Diploma to this University or elsewhere

Place: Delhi Dr. Atul Kumar Agarwal

Date: SUPERVISOR

Professor

ii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The success of a Minor II project requires help and contribution from numerous

individuals and the organization. Writing the report of this project work gives me an

opportunity to express my gratitude to everyone who has helped in shaping up the

outcome of the project.

I express my heartfelt gratitude to my project guide Dr. Atul Kumar Agarwal for

giving me an opportunity to do my Minor II project work under his guidance. His

constant support and encouragement has made me realize that it is the process of

learning which weighs more than the end result. I am highly indebted to the panel

faculties during all the progress evaluations for their guidance, constant supervision

and for motivating me to complete my work. They helped me throughout by giving

new ideas, providing necessary information and pushing me forward to complete the

work.

I also reveal my thanks to all my classmates and my family for constant support.

ISHITA

iii
 ABSTRACT

Buckling is an instability of equilibrium in structures that occurs from compressive loads

or stresses. A structure or its components may fail due to buckling at loads that are far
smaller than those that produce material strength failure. The analysis of the stability of
columns is a topic of great interest in civil, mechanical, aeronautical, nuclear, and offshore
engineering. Buckling is one of the most common modes of instability in column-like
structures.
The report explains the general procedure to solve any buckling problem in ABAQUS 6.13
. Here we first do an eigen value prediction in linear perturbation step to get critical loads
for different modes. We can also use this for study of different modes of failure. Later for
post buckling analysis we consider geometric nonlinearity and use riks method. We add
imperfections to get realistic deformed shape(as no actual structure is perfect) and to
smoothen curve at bifurcation point.

iv
 CONTENTS

Candidate’s Declaration i

Certificate ii

Acknowledgement iii

Abstract iv

Contents v

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Beams, columns and beam-columns 1
1.3 Equation forming 2
1.4 Nonlinearity 4

CHAPTER 2 ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES 6

2.1 Buckling analysis 6
2.2 Eigen value buckling predictions 6
2.3 Unstable collapse and post buckling analysis 9
2.4 General procedure 12

CHAPTER 3 SOLVED EXAMPLES 13

CHAPTER 4 CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK 19

REFERENCES 20

v
 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction
In the elementary theory of bending it is seen that stresses and deflections in beam are
directly proportional to the loads. This condition requires that the change in shape of the
beam due to bending must not affect the action of the applied loads. For example, if the
beam in Fig. 1.1(a) is subjected to only lateral loads, such as Q1 and Q2, the presence of the
small deflections δ1 and δ2, and slight changes in the vertical lines of action of the loads
will have only an insignificant effect on the moments, and shear forces. Thus it is possible
to make calculations for deflections, stresses, moments, etc., on the basis of the initial
configuration of the beam. Under these conditions, and also if Hooke's law holds for the
material, the deflections are proportional to the acting forces and the principle of
superposition is valid; i.e., the final deformation is obtained by summation of the
deformations produced by the individual forces.

(a) (b)
Fig. 1.1

Conditions are entirely different when both axial and lateral loads act simultaneously on
the beam (Fig. 1.1(b)). The bending moments, shear forces, stresses, and deflections in the
beam will not be proportional to the magnitude of the axial load. Furthermore, their values
will be dependent upon the magnitude of the deflections produced and will be sensitive to
even slight eccentricities in the application of the axial load.

1.2 Beams ,columns and beam-columns

Beam:
A Beam is a structural member that carries bending load that is load perpendicular to its
longitudinal axis. An example is that beams carry weight of ceiling of a building and
transfer it to columns.

Column:
A column is a structural member that carries compressive load. Usually the load causes
the column to buckle or crush. Even now the member is bending but now it is not bending
in the direction of applied force but perpendicular to it. Similarly in structural engineering
columns carry loads transferred to them by beams.

Beam-Column:
Beams subjected to axial compression and simultaneously supporting lateral loads are
called beam-columns[1].It is a member that simultaneously carries both bending and
compressive load. Therefore it can also be said as a special case of column loading in
which the load is applied eccentrically (away from the longitudinal axis). This causes the
column to get compressed and laterally bend. You will get an impression that this is
similar to column loading previously stated, but remember eccentric loading causes axial
loading along with a moment. To understand this take a long pole. Make it stand upright
1
on the floor, and apply a force to one end of the pole making sure you apply the force to
the center portion of the end. The pole will buckle, now try doing the same this time only
slightly away from the center. You will observe that it is easier to buckle the pole than
previously. This is due to the added moment.

1.3 Equation forming

Let the bending deflection at any location x be given by v(x), as shown in the Fig. 1.2
(b). An imaginary cut is made at some location x, and the internal bending moment is
drawn according to our sign convention. The internal axial force N will be equal to P. By
balancing the moment at point A, we obtain M𝑍 + Pv=0. Substituting the moment-curvature
relationship of Moment M𝑍 (1) we obtain the differential equation (1a)

Fig. 1.2

𝑑2 𝑣
M𝑍 = 𝐸𝐼𝑍𝑍 𝑑𝑥 2 (1)

𝑑2 𝑣
𝐸𝐼𝑍𝑍 𝑑𝑥 2 +Pv=0 (1a)

𝑑2 𝑣
𝐸𝐼𝑍𝑍 𝑑𝑥 2 +λ2 v=0 (1b)

𝑃
where λ=√𝐸𝐼 (1c)

Boundary conditions are

v(0)=0 (2a) & v(L)=0 (2b)

If buckling can occur about any axis and not just the z axis, as we initially assumed,
then the subscripts zz in the area moment of inertia should be dropped. The boundary value
problem can be written using equation (1a), (2a) and (2b).
Clearly (bending deflection) v=0 would satisfy the boundary-value problem represented
by Equations (1a), (2a) and (2b). This trivial solution represents purely axial deformation
due to compressive axial forces.
Our interest is to find the value of P that would cause bending; in other words, a
nontrivial (v ≠0) solution to the boundary-value problem. Alternatively, at what value of P
does a nontrivial solution exist to the boundary-value problem? This is the classical
statement of an eigenvalue problem.

The general solution to the differential equation (1b), is:

v(x) = A cos λx + B sin λx (3)

From the boundary condition (2a) we obtain:

v(0) = A cos(0) + B sin(0)=0 or A=0 (4)
2
From the boundary condition (2b) we obtain:
v(L) = A cos λL + B sin λL = 0 or B sin λL = 0 (5)

If B = 0, then we obtain a trivial solution. For a nontrivial solution the sine function must
equal zero:
sin λL = 0 (6)

Equation (6) is called characteristic equation or buckling equation and is satisfied if λL=
nπ. Substituting for λ and solving for P, we obtain:
𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼 2
𝑃𝐶𝑟 = n n=1,2,3…… (7)
𝐿2

𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼
𝑃𝐶𝑟 = for n=1 ,lowest critical load (8)
𝐿2

The solution for v can be written as:

𝑥
v=B sin (n𝜋 𝐿 ) (9)

Fig. 1.3

Equation (7) represents the values of load P(the eigenvalues) at which buckling would
occur. What is the lowest value of P at which buckling will occur? Clearly, for the lowest
value of P, n should equal 1 in Equation (7). Furthermore minimum value of I (cross
sectional moment of Inertia) should be used.
PCr, the critical buckling load, is also called Euler load. Buckling will occur about the
axis that has minimum area moment of inertia. Equation (9) represents the buckled
mode(eigenvectors). Notice that the constant B in equation 9 is undetermined. This is
typical in eigenvalue problems. The importance of each buckled mode shape can be
appreciated by examining Fig. 1.3 . If buckled mode 1 is prevented from occurring by
installing a restraint (or support), then the column would buckle at the next higher mode at
critical load values that are higher than those for the lower modes. Point I on the deflection
curves describing the mode shapes has two attributes: it is an inflection point and the
magnitude of deflection at this point is zero.
Recall that the curvature d2v/dx2 (second derivative for deflection) at an inflection point
is zero. Hence the internal moment MZ at this point is zero. If roller supports are put at any
other points than the inflection points I, as predicted by Equation (9), then the boundary-
value problem will have different eigenvalues (critical loads) and eigenvectors (mode
shapes).
For different end conditions in the formula in equation (8) length (L) will be replaced by
effective length(Leff).
𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼
𝑃𝐶𝑟 = (10)
𝐿2𝑒𝑓𝑓

3
 Fig. 1.4

1.4 Nonlinearity
Typically slender structures such as columns, trusses, shells and plates are buckling-
prone structures. The buckling instability is the result of purely geometrical effects and
it does not relate to other forms of non-linearity (e.g. material non-linearity).
Geometric non linearity:
• Occurrence of large displacement/large rotation in the structure
• Occurrence of large strains
• Follower Force-direction of the load is changing in function of the structural
deformation

Large strain is a subset of large displacements.

3 Phenomena are associated with Geometric Nonlinearity:

• Snap-back
• Snap-through
• Bifurcation

See Fig.1.5

4
 Fig. 1.5

After bifurcation point or first critical load(first peak load) starts the region of post-
buckling ,analysis of which is done by arc-length method as discussed later in this report.

5
 CHAPTER 2
ANALYSIS TECHNIQUE

2.1 Buckling analysis

Eigenvalue analysis is used to obtain estimates of the buckling loads and modes. The
concept of eigenvalue buckling prediction is to investigate singularities in a linear
perturbation of the structure's stiffness matrix. The resulting estimates will be of value in
design if the linear perturbation is a realistic reflection of the structure's response before it
buckles. For this to be the case, the structural response should be linear elastic. In other
words, eigenvalue buckling is useful for “stiff” structures (structures that exhibit only
small, elastic deformations prior to buckling). Such analysis is performed using the
eigenvalue buckling procedure ,with the “live” load applied within the step. The buckling
analysis provides the factor by which the live load must be multiplied to reach the buckling
load. Any preload must be added to the load from the eigenvalue buckling step to compute
the total collapse load.
It is usually also necessary to consider whether the postbuckling response is stable or
unstable and if the structure is imperfection sensitive. In many cases the postbuckled
stiffness may not be positive. The collapse load will then depend strongly on imperfections
in the original geometry (“imperfection sensitivity”). This is addressed by following the
eigenvalue prediction with a load-displacement analysis of the structure. Typically this is
done by assuming an imperfection in the original geometry, in the shape of the buckling
mode, and studying the effect of the magnitude of that imperfection on the response.
Material nonlinearity is often included in such collapse studies. Example in chapter 3
illustrates these analyses for some simple, classical, beam problems.

2.2 Eigenvalue buckling predictions

Eigenvalue buckling analysis:
• is generally used to estimate the critical (bifurcation) load of “stiff” structures;
• is a linear perturbation procedure;
• can be the first step in an analysis of an unloaded structure, or it can be performed
after the structure has been preloaded—if the structure has been preloaded, the
buckling load from the preloaded state is calculated;
• can be used in the investigation of the imperfection sensitivity of a structure;
• works only with symmetric matrices (hence, unsymmetric stiffness contributions
such as the load stiffness associated with follower loads are symmetrized); and
• cannot be used in a model containing substructures.

2.2.1 General eigenvalue buckling

In an eigenvalue buckling problem we look for the loads for which the model stiffness
matrix becomes singular, so that the problem
Kmn vn=0
has nontrivial solutions. Kmn is the tangent stiffness matrix when the loads are applied, and
the vn are nontrivial displacement solutions. The applied loads can consist of pressures,
concentrated forces, nonzero prescribed displacements, and/or thermal loading.
Eigenvalue buckling is generally used to estimate the critical buckling loads of stiff
structures . Stiff structures carry their design loads primarily by axial or membrane action,
rather than by bending action. Their response usually involves very little deformation prior
to buckling. A simple example of a stiff structure is the Euler column, which responds very
stiffly to a compressive axial load until a critical load is reached, when it bends suddenly
6
and exhibits a much lower stiffness. However, even when the response of a structure is
nonlinear before collapse, a general eigenvalue buckling analysis can provide useful
estimates of collapse mode shapes.

2.2.2 The base state

The buckling loads are calculated relative to the base state of the structure. If the
eigenvalue buckling procedure is the first step in an analysis, the initial conditions form the
base state; otherwise, the base state is the current state of the model at the end of the last
general analysis step . Thus, the base state can include preloads (“dead” loads), Pn. The
preloads are often zero in classical eigenvalue buckling problems.

If geometric nonlinearity was included in the general analysis steps prior to the
eigenvalue buckling analysis ,the base state geometry is the deformed geometry at the end
of the last general analysis step. If geometric nonlinearity was omitted, the base state
geometry is the original configuration of the body.

2.2.3 General and linear perturbation procedures

An analysis step during which the response can be either linear or nonlinear is called
a general analysis step. An analysis step during which the response can be linear only is
called a linear perturbation analysis step. General analysis steps can be included in an
Abaqus/Standard or Abaqus/Explicit analysis; linear perturbation analysis steps are
available only in Abaqus/Standard.

Fig. 2.1

7
A clear distinction is made in Abaqus/Standard between general analysis and linear
perturbation analysis procedures. Loading conditions are defined differently for the two
cases, time measures are different, and the results should be interpreted differently.

2.2.4 The eigenvalue problem

An incremental loading pattern, Qn, is defined in the eigenvalue buckling

prediction step. The magnitude of this loading is not important; it will be scaled by the load
multipliers, λi, found in the eigenvalue problem:

(𝐾𝑜𝑚𝑛 + 𝜆𝑖 𝐾Δ𝑚𝑛 )𝑣𝑖𝑛 = 0,

where

𝐾𝑜𝑚𝑛 is the stiffness matrix corresponding to the base state, which includes the effects of
the preloads, 𝑃𝑛 (if any);

𝐾Δ𝑚𝑛 is the differential initial stress and load stiffness matrix due to the incremental loading
pattern, 𝑄 𝑛 ;

𝜆𝑖 are the eigenvalues;

𝑣𝑖𝑛 are the buckling mode shapes (eigenvectors);

𝑚 and 𝑛 refer to degrees of freedom of the whole model; and

i refers to the ith buckling mode.

The critical buckling loads are then 𝑃𝑛 + 𝜆𝑖 𝑄 𝑛 . Normally, the lowest value of 𝜆𝑖 is of
interest.
The buckling mode shapes, 𝑣𝑖𝑛 , are normalized vectors and do not represent actual
magnitudes of deformation at critical load. They are normalized so that the maximum
displacement component is 1.0. If all displacement components are zero, the maximum
rotation component is normalized to 1.0. These buckling mode shapes are often the most
useful outcome of the eigenvalue analysis, since they predict the likely failure mode of the
structure.

2.2.5 Selecting the eigenvalue extraction method

Abaqus/Standard offers the lanczos and the subspace iteration eigenvalue extraction
methods. The lanczos method is generally faster when a large number of eigenmodes is
required for a system with many degrees of freedom. The subspace iteration method may
be faster when only a few (less than 20) eigenmodes are needed. In the examples in this
report only subspace method is used.

2.2.6 Order of calculation and formation of the stiffness matrices

In an eigenvalue buckling prediction step Abaqus/Standard first does a static

perturbation analysis to determine the incremental stresses, Δσ, due to 𝑄 𝑛 . If the base state
did not include geometric nonlinearity, the stiffness matrix used in this static perturbation
analysis is the tangent elastic stiffness. If the base state did include geometric nonlinearity,
8
initial stress and load stiffness terms (due to the preload, 𝑃𝑛 ) are included. The stiffness
matrix 𝐾∆𝑚𝑛 corresponding to Δσ and 𝑄 𝑛 is then formed.

In the eigenvalue extraction portion of the buckling step, the stiffness matrix 𝐾𝑜𝑚𝑛
corresponding to the base state geometry is formed. Initial stress and the load stiffness
terms due to the preload, 𝑃𝑛 , are always included regardless of whether or not geometric
nonlinearity is included and are calculated based on the geometry of the base state.

When forming the stiffness matrices 𝐾𝑜𝑚𝑛 and 𝐾∆𝑚𝑛 , all contact conditions are fixed in
the base state.

2.2.7 Including large geometry changes in a buckling analysis

Because buckling analysis is usually done for “stiff” structures, it is not usually
necessary to include the effects of geometry change in establishing equilibrium for the base
state. However, if significant geometry change is involved in the base state and this effect
is considered to be important, it can be included by specifying that geometric nonlinearity
should be considered for the base state step(see “General and linear perturbation
procedures,” Section 2.2.3 ). In such cases it is probably more realistic to perform a
geometrically nonlinear load-displacement analysis (Riks analysis) to determine the
collapse loads, especially for imperfection-sensitive structures.

2.2.8 Material options

During an eigenvalue buckling analysis, the model's response is defined by its linear
elastic stiffness in the base state. All nonlinear and/or inelastic material properties, as well
as effects involving time or strain rate, are ignored during an eigenvalue buckling analysis.
In classical eigenvalue buckling the response in the base state is also linear.

If temperature-dependent elastic properties are used, the eigenvalue buckling analysis

will not account for changes in the stiffness matrix due to temperature changes. The
material properties of the base state will be used.

Acoustic properties, thermal properties (except for thermal expansion), mass diffusion
properties, electrical properties, and pore fluid flow properties are not active during an
eigenvalue buckling analysis.

2.3 Unstable collapse and postbuckling analysis

While large deformation can be included in the preload, the eigenvalue buckling theory
relies on there being little geometric change due to the “live” buckling load, 𝜆𝑖 𝑄 𝑛 . If the
live load produces significant geometric change, a nonlinear collapse (Riks) analysis must
be used. The total buckling load predicted by the eigenvalue analysis, 𝑃𝑛 + 𝜆𝑖 𝑄 𝑛 , may be a
good estimate for the limit load in the nonlinear buckling analysis. The Riks method is
described in this section.

The Riks method:

• is generally used to predict unstable, geometrically nonlinear collapse of a structure;

• can include nonlinear materials and boundary conditions;

9
 • often follows an eigenvalue buckling analysis to provide complete information
about a structure's collapse; and
• can be used to speed convergence of ill-conditioned or snap-through problems that
do not exhibit instability.

2.3.1 Unstable response

Geometrically nonlinear static problems sometimes involve buckling or collapse

behaviour, where the load-displacement response shows a negative stiffness and the
structure must release strain energy to remain in equilibrium. Static equilibrium states
during the unstable phase of the response can be found by using the “modified Riks
method.” This method is used for cases where the loading is proportional; that is, where
the load magnitudes are governed by a single scalar parameter. The method can provide
solutions even in cases of complex, unstable response such as that shown in Fig. 2.2 .

Fig. 2.2
Proportional loading
with unstable response

2.3.1 The Riks method

The Riks method uses the load magnitude as an additional unknown; it solves
simultaneously for loads and displacements. Therefore, another quantity must be used to
measure the progress of the solution; Abaqus/Standard uses the “arc length,” l, along the
static equilibrium path in load-displacement space. This approach provides solutions
regardless of whether the response is stable or unstable.

If the Riks step is a continuation of a previous history, any loads that exist at the
beginning of the step and are not redefined are treated as “dead” loads with constant
magnitude. A load whose magnitude is defined in the Riks step is referred to as a
“reference” load. All prescribed loads are ramped from the initial (dead load) value to the
reference values specified.

The loading during a Riks step is always proportional. The current load
magnitude, 𝑃𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 , is defined by

10
𝑃𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝑃𝑜 + 𝜆(𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑓 − 𝑃𝑜 )

where 𝑃𝑜 is the “dead load,” 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑓 is the reference load vector, and λ is the “load
proportionality factor.” The load proportionality factor is found as part of the solution.
Abaqus/Standard prints out the current value of the load proportionality factor at each
increment.

2.3.2 Bifurcation

The Riks method works well in snap-through problems—those in which the equilibrium
path in load-displacement space is smooth and does not branch. Generally you do not need
take any special precautions in problems that do not exhibit branching (bifurcation).

The Riks method can also be used to solve post buckling problems, both with stable
and unstable post buckling behaviour. However, the exact post buckling problem cannot be
analysed directly due to the discontinuous response at the point of buckling. To analyse a
post buckling problem, it must be turned into a problem with continuous response instead
of bifurcation. This effect can be accomplished by introducing an initial imperfection into a
“perfect” geometry so that there is some response in the buckling mode before the critical
load is reached.

2.3.2.1 Introducing geometric imperfections

Imperfections are usually introduced by perturbations in the geometry. Unless the

precise shape of an imperfection is known, an imperfection consisting of multiple
superimposed buckling modes must be introduced .

Abaqus offers three ways to define an imperfection: as a linear superposition of

buckling eigenmodes, from the displacements of a static analysis, or by specifying the
node number and imperfection values directly. Only the translational degrees of freedom
are modified. Abaqus will then calculate the normals using the usual algorithm based on
the perturbed coordinates. Unless the precise shape of an imperfection is known, an
imperfection consisting of multiple superimposed buckling modes can be introduced.

To define an imperfection based on the superposition of weighted mode shapes, specify

the results file and step from a previous eigen frequency extraction or eigenvalue buckling
prediction analysis. Optionally, you can import eigen mode data for a specified node set.

Input file usage : *IMPERFECTION, FILE=results_file, STEP=step, NSET=name

As this method is the one used in this report others are not discussed here. The above
code is followed by data lines specifying the mode number and its associated scale factor.

By performing a load-displacement analysis, other important nonlinear effects, such as

material inelasticity or contact, can be included. In contrast, all inelastic effects are ignored
in a linear eigenvalue buckling analysis and all contact conditions are fixed in the base
state. Imperfections based on linear buckling modes can also be useful for the analysis of
structures that behave inelastically prior to reaching peak load.

11
2.3.2.2 Introducing loading imperfections

Perturbations in loads or boundary conditions can also be used to introduce initial

imperfections. In this case fictitious “trigger” loads can be used to initiate the instability.
The trigger loads should perturb the structure in the expected buckling modes. Typically,
these loads are applied as dead loads prior to the Riks step so that they have fixed
magnitudes. The magnitudes of trigger loads must be sufficiently small so that they do not
affect the overall postbuckling solution. It is your responsibility to choose appropriate
magnitudes and locations for such fictitious loads; Abaqus/Standard does not check that
they are reasonable.

2.3.3 Material options

Most material models that describe mechanical behavior are available for use in a Riks
analysis. The following material properties are not active during a Riks analysis: acoustic
properties, thermal properties (except for thermal expansion), mass diffusion properties,
electrical properties, and pore fluid flow properties. Materials with history dependence can
be used; however, it should be realized that the results will depend on the loading history,
which is not known in advance.

The concept of time is replaced by arc length in a Riks analysis. Therefore, any effects
involving time or strain rate (such as viscous damping or rate-dependent plasticity) are no
longer treated correctly and should not be used.

2.4 General procedure

The general procedure is represented

in Fig. 2.3

Fig. 2.3

12
 CHAPTER 3
SOLVED EXAMPLE
3.1 Buckling analysis of beams

The objectives for this example include the study of flexural buckling of axially
compressed beams in flexural modes (Euler buckling). Only the lowest value is of practical
interest in design calculations. The length of beam ia along x axis.

Young’s modulus E = 200 GPa Poisson’s ratio 𝛍 = 0.3

Diameter D = 10 mm Length L = 300mm

Support node 1: All components of displacement, and the rotation about the x-axis, are
vvvvvvvvvvvvv restrained

Support node 2: Displacements in the y- and z-directions, and rotation about the x-axis,
vvvvvvvvvvvvvv are restrained

A concentrated axial load of P =10 N is applied to support node 2 of the beam (Fig. 3.1).

Fig. 3.1

The plastic data to be used is as follows:

Yield stress Plastic strain

120 0
200 .3

We are using 3D ,deformable ,wire feature to make our

beam(Fig. 3.2).

Fig. 3.2

13
 The mesh consists of 30 B31OS beam elements spanning the 300 mm length of the
beam. For 30 elements global seed size would be 300/30=10.

Fig. 3.3 Element description

First we will do a linear purturbation step to get eigen values and buckling modes of
failure(Fig. 3.4).Non linear geometry is not considered here and no of eigenvalues
requested is 10(Fig. 3.5).

Fig. 3.4 Fig. 3.5

14
 To output nodal variables to the Abaqus/Standard results file or the Abaqus/Explicit
selected results file we following changes in keyword file.We get to here by following path
Model→Edit Keywords→Model Name
This will be used later in riks analysis.

Fig. 3.6

The critical flexural buckling load for mode n, as given by [1] is

𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼 2
𝑃𝐶𝑟 = n (3.1)
𝐿2

where E is Young's modulus, I is the moment of inertia, and L is the length of the beam.
The buckling load estimates provided by Abaqus are shown in Table 3.1.For estimated
load multiply applied load i.e. 10N to eigen values.

An interesting extension of this buckling problem is to examine the response of the

column far into the postbuckling range. This is the simplest of the classical “elastica”
problems, an elastica being an elastic curve bent by some load[1]. For this study an initial
imperfection in the shape of the lowest buckling mode, with a peak magnitude of 10% of
the beam thickness, is introduced. The Riks technique is used. An axial force, equal in
magnitude to the critical load, is applied, and the analysis is stopped when the axial force
becomes six times the applied load.

15
Table 3.1 Flexural buckling load estimates (values given in KN)
Eigenvector Estimated buckling load Theoretical buckling load(n) Direction(a)
1 10.7570 10.7661(1) y(1) z(1)↑
2 10.7570 10.7661(1) y(1) ↑ z(1)
3 42.9194 43.0642(2) y(2) z(2)↑
4 42.9194 43.0642(2) y(2)↑ z(2)
5 96.1620 96.8946(3) y(3) z(3)↑
6 96.1620 96.8946(3) y(3)↑ z(3)
7 169.946 172.2571(4) y(4) z(4)↑
8 169.946 172.2571(4) y(4) ↑ z(4)
9 263.521 269.1517(5) y(5) z(5)↑
10 263.521 269.1517(5) y(5) ↑ z(5)
a = number of half sine waves
n = buckling mode in eqn 3.1
↑ = one with higher deflection magnitudes

First we will delete previous linear perturbation step, load will also get deleted as it was
applied in that step.

This time static riks in general procedure type(Fig.

3.7).

After that we will set non linear geometry

consideration on and make maximum step size to 1
which is 1e36 by default Fig. 3.8 and 3.9.

We will apply a load of 1.0757x109 N. It is the

value of first eigen value, the software will give us
load factor to be multiplied with this to get the
buckling loads .

After that we will introduce imperfection file(Fig.

3.10).

Fig 3.7

16
Fig. 3.8

Fig. 3.9

17
 Fig. 3.10

Fig. 3.11 load proportionality factor for whole model

18
 CHAPTER 4
CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK

The Riks algorithm cannot obtain a solution at a given load or displacement value since
these are treated as unknowns—termination occurs at the first solution that satisfies the
step termination criterion. To obtain solutions at exact values of load or displacement, the
solution must be restarted at the desired point in the step and a new, non-Riks step must be
defined. Since the subsequent step is a continuation of the Riks analysis, the load
magnitude in that step must be given appropriately so that the step begins with the loading
continuing to increase or decrease according to its behaviour at the point of restart. For
example, if the load was increasing at the restart point and was positive, a larger load
magnitude than the current magnitude should be given in the restart step to continue this
behaviour. If the load was decreasing but positive, a smaller magnitude than the current
magnitude should be specified. A study related to restarting of riks analysis will be carried
out later.

19
 REFERENCES

[1] Timoshenko, S. P., and J. M. Gere, Theory of Elastic Stability, 2nd Edition,
McGraw-Hill, New York, 1961.

[2] Ellobody, E., Ch5-Finite Element Analysis of Steel and Steel-Concrete

Composite Bridges 469–554. Finite Element Analysis and Design of Steel and
Steel-Concrete Composite Bridges, _ 10.1016_b978-0-12-417247-0.00005-3

[3] Stipica Novoselac, Todor Ergić, Pavo Baličević, Linear and nonlinear Buckling
and Postbuckling Analysis of a Bar with the Influence of Imperfections,
Technical Gazette 19, 3(2012), 695-701

[4] Dassault Systemes Simulia Corp. Abaqus 6.13, Analysis User's Manual, USA,
2013, Build ID: 2013_03_28-16.00.17 43263

[5] Dassault Systemes Simulia Corp. Abaqus 6.13, Benchmarks Guide, USA, 2013,
Build ID: 2013_03_28-16.00.17 43263

[6] Dassault Systemes Simulia Corp. Abaqus 6.13, Example Problems Guide, USA,
2013, Build ID: 2013_03_28-16.00.17 43263

[7] Denise Lori-Eng Poy, Klaus-Jiirgen Bathe , On the Buckling Finite Element
Analysis of Beam Structures, M.Tech thesis MIT 2002_03_25

[8] M. E. ONYIA1 and E. O. ROWLAND-LATO2, Determination of the Critical

Buckling Load of Shear Deformable Unified Beam,
doi:10.21817/ijet/2018/v10i3/181003026

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