An improved energy criterion for dynamic buckling of imperfection sensitive nonconservative systems

Imperfection sensitive, multi-degree-of-freedom, autonomous, structural sys tems under partial follower compressive loading, which lose their stability via divergence are investigated both qualitatively and quantitatively. Att ention is focused on the global instability of that equilibrium state on th e locally stable primary path, which at a certain level of the loading beco mes globally unstable. Previous work valid for potential systems under step loading is extended here to nonpotential, imperfection sensitive systems. The serious difficulty of the lack of potential of the follower type of loa ding is overcome by formulating an appropriate energy balance equation, inc luding loss of energy. Then, similar considerations to those for potential systems can be established, and geometric criteria can be formulated for an "equivalent energy" surface. Using the mean-value theorem for integrals on e can obtain approximate dynamic buckling loads that are very good for stru ctural design purposes. The efficiency and reliability of the proposed meth od is comprehensively demonstrated through numerous examples. (C) 2001 Else vier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.