OUT-OF-PLANE BUCKLING OF RESTRAINED THIN RINGS OF GENERAL OPEN SECTION

This paper describes a closed-form solution based on thin-walled membe r theory for the out-of-plane buckling of thin rings of an open cross section. The theory considers the practical features of restraint and loading conditions of rings situated at axisymmetric shell intersectio ns, and it is applicable to any thin-walled open-section form. Numeric al comparisons between the closed-form solution and a finite-element s hell buckling analysis are then presented to demonstrate the accuracy of the closed-form solution, and to study the effects on the buckling behavior of angle section rings of various parameters, including the r ing width-to-thickness ratio, the load position, the restraint positio n, and the flange size. The effect of secondary warping on the bucklin g behavior of angle section rings is also discussed in some detail. Fi nally, a simple expression for use in design is established for the bu ckling strength of an angle section ring loaded and supported at its i nner edge.