BUCKLING ANALYSIS

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 BUCKLING ANALYSIS
Agenda
Theory and introduction to Buckling
Solution of the Eigen value Problem
Solution Sequences for Buckling and Stability Problems
Rules for SOL 105 Buckling Analysis
Data Entries for Linear Buckling
EIGRL Entries
Introduction to Nonlinear Buckling
Rules for SOL 106 Buckling Analysis
Job setup
Output format and critical load calculation
Arc Length method

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  A structure can fail in a number of ways including
 Yield failure (material yield strength exceeded)
 Ultimate failure (material ultimate strength exceeded)
 Excessive deflection
 Buckling

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 What is Buckling?

•Buckling is a case of instability.

•Instability : Change in geometry of a structure or structural component under compression –

resulting in loss of ability to resist loading.

•It is a critical state of stress and deformation, at which a slight disturbance causes a gross
additional deformation (sudden collapse) , or perhaps a total structural failure of the part.

•Instability is a strength-related limit state. Buckling failures do not depend on the strength of the
material, but are a function of the component dimensions & modulus of elasticity. Therefore,
materials with a high strength will buckle just as quickly as low strength ones.

•If a structure has one or more dimensions that are small relative to the others (slender or thin-
walled), and is subject to compressive loads, then a buckling analysis is necessary. Compressive
loads are susceptible to buckling.

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 Euler Buckling
● What are the Physics for buckling?
● Buckling is a point of BIFURCATION
● A “branch” in the structural deformation

Which way
? ? will it go?

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 •Buckling occurs when a structure suddenly deforms greatly with only
a slight change in load.
•If the effect is to suddenly displace a large amount in a direction normal to the load
direction then it is classical bifurcation buckling.
• If there is a sudden large change in the direction of loading, it is snap through
buckling.

From an FE analysis point of view:

• buckling analysis is used to find the lowest
multiplication factor for the load that will make a
structure buckle.
•The first OR the lowest factor is always the one of
interest.
•If it is less than unity, then buckling will occur due to
the load being applied to the structure.
•The analysis is also used to find the shape of the
buckled structure.
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 Buckling
● Three classes of columns:
● loaded at centroid
● no material imperfections

Slender Intermediate Short

Fails by elastic buckling. Pre- Fails by combination of yielding and

buckled deflections are small and Fails by yielding (like a
buckling. Pre-buckled deflections
critical load is reached before the compression specimen).
are small, but some stresses are
material yields. This is an Euler beyond the linear range.
column.
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 THEORY OF BUCKLING
● The equilibrium equations for a structure subjected to a
constant force system take the following form

[K]{u}={P}
● Under loading, the structure deforms and internal loads
are developed within the structure. Write the equilibrium
equations for this deformed state:
( [ K ] + [ KD ] ) { u } = { P }
*The matrix [KD] is the differential stiffness matrix. (geometric stiffness matrix
or the stress stiffness matrix)
It is the stiffness that results from including the higher-order terms (non-linear
terms) of the strain-displacement relations.
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  What is “differential stiffness”??
• Stress “stiffening” or Stress “softening” from applied load
• What happens when an axial load is acting on the beam. The
stiffness will no longer remain 4EI/L and 2EI/L. Instead, it will
decrease. The reduced stiffness will reduce the natural frequency
and period elongation.
• Tighten a guitar string -> Frequency increases
• Loosen a guitar string -> Frequency decreases
• Axial stress & load differential stiffness changes the lateral stiffness
• Compressing on an Euler Beam causes “stress softening” Leads to
buckling

 The differential stiffness matrix is proportional to the

internal forces in the structure. This allows us to
rewrite above Equation as
( [ K ] + [ KD ] ) { u } = { P }
where is an arbitrary scalar multiplier for the applied load
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  Let‟s now perturb the structure slightly from its
equilibrium position by taking the derivative of both
sides of this Equation
( [ K ] + [ KD ] ) { du } = { dP }
 At the critical buckling load, both the reference and
the slightly perturbed (buckled) configurations are
possible equilibrium positions. Therefore as the
displacement { du } takes place, the load does not
change. This leads to the eigenvalue problem for
buckling:
( [ K ] + [ KD ] ) { du } =
( [ K ] + [ KD ] ) { }=

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 ● This is the classical eigenvalue problem. [K]- [I]){x}={0}.

● We are searching for the eigenvalues ( ) of the stiffness matrix [K].

These eigenvalues cause the stiffness matrix to become singular

● Singular stiffness matrix means it has a zero value, i.e., the determinant of
the matrix is equal to zero.

● So, buckling is an eigenvalue problem that is a function of the material &

geometric stiffness matrices. Consequently, there will be a number of
buckling modes and corresponding mode shapes.

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  The solution is nontrivial (different from zero) only for specific values
of
= i i = 1, 2, …n
that make the term ([ K ] + [ KD ]) singular.

 To each eigenvalue i, there is a corresponding distinct eigenvector

{ i } which represents the buckled shape.

 The critical buckling loads for the structure are computed as

{ P }cri = i { P } Smallest value of Pcr will govern.

 Usually only the lowest eigenvalue 1 is of interest because it is

associated with the lowest buckling load for the structure.
 The eigenvalue l is also called the buckling load factor (BLF).
A structure has buckled if the buckling analysis indicates that BLF 1.0

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 Buckling Concepts •40” x 10” x .25”
•Aluminum
•40,000psi compression

● Normal Mode vs Buckling Mode

● Challenge: Pick Normal Mode 1; Buckling Mode 1

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 Buckling Concepts
● Theory:
● For a rectangular plate under uniform compression:k=4.0
● Pcr = 22,595psi, P=40,000psi
● λ= 22,595/40,000 = .56
● Nastran λ= .56
● Nature wants to buckle in “squares”

Ref: article 4-21, “Local Buckling” – Gaylord & Gaylord “Design of Steel
Structures”, 2nd edition McGraw Hill

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 rect-plate-105.bdf

Buckling shapes

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 Normal Mode Shapes

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 Buckling Concepts
● Compression – Flat Plates
● Nature wants to buckle in “squares”
● - Or closest to squares depending on actual geometry

● Shear – Flat Plates

● What about Shear Buckling?

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 Buckling Concepts
● Shear – Flat Plates
● Nature wants to buckle in waves normal to the pure shear
direction
● Actual Geometry and BC‟s will change nature‟s ideal
● “k” is based on aspect ratio From “Design of Steel Structures” Gaylord & Gaylord

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  Linear Buckling vs. Nonlinear Buckling
 Linear buckling analysis assumes that the structure
in the pre-buckled configuration is perfectly straight
and elastic.
 Nonlinear buckling analysis accounts for the pre-
buckled deformations as well as material non-
linearity.

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 SOLUTION SEQUENCES FOR BUCKLING AND
STABILITY PROBLEM

● SOL 105 Linear buckling

● SOL 106 (with PARAM,BUCKLE) Nonlinear
buckling

● Limitations of SOL 105

● In prebuckled configuration:
● Deflections must be small
● Stresses must be elastic (and linearly related to strain)

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 SOLUTION SEQUENCES FOR BUCKLING AND
STABILITY PROBLEMS (Cont.)

Note: SOL 105 may be applicable for structures with slight

material imperfections or slightly noncentric loadings
(i.e. load does not align with centroid producing a
small degree of bending). Must use engineering
judgment.

Same arguments hold for plate structures.

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 INSTABILITY PHENOMENA

● Two Types:
1. Snap-through (limit point): The loss of stability occurs at a
stationary point (relative maximum) in the load-deflection space.
The critical load is termed a limit point. For loads beyond the limit
point, the structure “snaps-through” and assumes a completely
different displaced configuration.

P P
Plimit

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 INSTABILITY PHENOMENA
2. Bifurcation buckling: The loss of stability occurs when two or more
equilibrium paths intersect in the load-deflection space. The point
of intersection is termed a bifurcation point. For loads beyond the
bifurcation point, the structure buckles.

P
P

P crit

Arc length increments may not pick a bifurcation buckling point.

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  Examples of nonlinear buckling problems

Beam-Column

Highly Eccentrically
Loaded Column
Snap-Through of thin Shell like
the Bottom of an Oil Can
(Large pre-buckled deflection
and possible inelastic pre-
buckled behavior)
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 INSTABILITY FAILURE
● Snap-through buckling
P

Snap-through

•Snap through buckling occurs when a structure is subject to an increasing load

that at some point causes the structure to undergo a gross deformation.
• Subsequent to this deformation, the structure regains sufficient stability to carry
load (usually in a configuration that changes the structural load from being initially
compressive to tensile.)
• Eg: shallow dome in compression. If the load becomes too large, it buckles and
snaps through so that the load is supported in tension.
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 RULES FOR SOL 105 BUCKLING ANALYSIS

● The Case Control must contain at least two subcases.

● Normally, the first subcase is the static solution under loading.(1st SUBCASE –
Defines loading for differential stiffness [Kd] (LOAD=n)
● The second subcase controls the buckling analysis run. Defines eigensolver
parameters (METHOD=m) The METHOD entry must appear in this subcase
to select an EIGRL or EIGB entry from the Bulk Data Section.
([K] + [Kd]){ } = {0}
SUBCASE 100
LOAD = 1 $ Use to form [Kd]
SUBCASE 200
METHOD = 5

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 RULES FOR SOL 105 BUCKLING ANALYSIS
(Cont.)
● If desired, different SPC sets may be applied in the static subcase and the
buckling subcase.

● Output requests may be placed in any selected subcase. Output requests that
apply to both, the static solution and the buckling modes, may be placed
above the subcase level.

● All you need is the eigen vector for second subcase and there is no meaning
to stresses in this subcase.. Because, The output from the second subcase is
purely the shape that the structure will go into when it buckles. The
displacement is normalized to 1.0 and then the stress calculated from this
normalized displacement. As one has no idea how far the structure moves
after buckling then the actual stress value is not realistic.

● Since shapes are normalized to 1.0, that largest displacements MAY be a

rotation. So, import “Rotational nodal results” as well, with Translational ones.
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 DATA ENTRIES FOR LINEAR BUCKLING
 In order to perform a linear buckling analysis, the following entries are required in the Nastran input data file:

● Executive Control Section

SOL 105
● Case Control Section

SUBCASE 1
Defines static loading condition (LOAD, TEMP, DEFORM)
LOAD = M

SUBCASE 2 Selects eigenvalue extraction method

METHOD = N Selects static subcase to use for buckling solution (defaults to
STATSUB = i first subcase)

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 DATA ENTRIES FOR LINEAR BUCKLING
(Cont.)

● The Case Control must contain at least two subcases.

● Bulk Data Section

Static loading condition required

EIGB Eigenvalue extraction data entry

or
EIGRL Eigenvalue extraction data for Lanczos
method

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 EIGRL ENTRY
● EIGRL Entry - recommended eigenvalue solution method
Defines data needed to perform real eigenvalue or
buckling analysis with the Lanczos Method.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
EIGRL SID V1 V2 ND MSGLVL MAXSET SHFSCL NORM
EIGRL 1 0.1 3.2 10

• As with FRA, eigenvalue extraction may be carried out using a number of available
methods, the best choice depends on the form of the equations being solved.
• In buckling analysis, only Lanczos, INV and SINV are available
•Note: the eigenvalue method does not take into account of any initial imperfections
in the structure and so the results rarely correspond with practical tests. Eigenvalue
solutions usually over estimate the buckling load and give no information about the
post-buckling state of the structure.
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 EIGRL ENTRY (Cont.)

Field Contents
SID Set identification number (unique integer > 0)
V1, V2 Vibration analysis: Frequency range of interest
Buckling analysis: l range of interest (V1 < V2, real). If all
modes below a frequency are desired , set V2 to the
desired frequency and leave V1 blank. It is not
recommended to put 0.0 for V1, it is more efficient to use
a small negative number or to leave it blank.
ND Number of roots desired (integer > 0 or blank)
MSGLVL Diagnostic level (integer 0 through 3 or blank)
MAXSET Number of vectors in block (integer 1 through 15 or
blank)

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 EXAMPLE - SIMPLE EULER COLUMN
● Problem
Find the critical load and corresponding first mode buckled
shape of a solid circular rod.

Pcr

Solid Circular Cross Section

Free diameter = 0.25 inches

E = 30 x 106 psi
L = 0.33
I = 1.917E-4 in 4
Fixed A = 4.909E-2 in 2
L = 21 in

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 EXAMPLE - SIMPLE EULER COLUMN (Cont’d)
2
EI Pcr
• Theoretical Solution: P
cr 2
Leff
L

● With
Leff = Effective Length
= 2L = 2 X 21 = 42
E = 30.E+06
I = 1.917E-04
2
(30.E 6)(1.917 E 4)
Pcr
(2 21) 2
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 EXAMPLE - SIMPLE EULER COLUMN (Cont.)
● MD Nastran Model

3 7

3
2 7

1 7
1
X

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 Set up the linear
buckling analysis

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 Click solution
type and select
buckling
analysis
Click solution
parameters

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 Next click on
Eigenvalue
Extraction
Select the
Lanczos
method and
enter 5 as the
number of
desired roots

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 Run the
analysis, read
the results
into Patran,
and plot the
buckled
shapes one at
a time

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  Examine the .f06 file

{ P }cr = {P}
Pcr = 2.93 x 445 psi = 1,304 psi

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  For multiple buckling solutions:
 All static subcases must appear first

 The buckling subcases follow the last static subcase

 A METHOD entry must appear in each of the buckling subcases
 Each buckling subcase must contain a STATSUB command that
references the appropriate subcase ID of the static subcase
 Patran doesn‟t write this.
 The use of offsets in bar, beam, and plate elements in buckling analysis
is not recommended. Replace them with rigid Or remove the offset or
use MD R4  sol 400

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 Linear Buckling Interface in MSC.Nastran
● Multiple buckling SUBCASEs set up

● Use STATSUB in buckling SUBCASE to point to desired load for

[Kd]
SUBCASE 100
LOAD = 1
SUBCASE 200
LOAD = 2
SUBCASE 300
LOAD = 3
$ -------------
SUBCASE 1200
STATSUB = 200
METHOD = 5
$
SUBCASE 1300
STATSUB = 300
METHOD = 5

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 Linear Buckling Interface in MSC.Nastran
● Case Control - alternatives
● Buckling of a pre-loaded structure ?
( ([K]+[Kdpreload]) + [Kdbuckling]){ } = {0}

● Use two (2) STATSUBs in buckling SUBCASE:

● STATSUB(PRELOAD) to point to desired load for [Ke] =
([K]+[Kdpreload])
● STATSUB(BUCKLING) to point at [Kdbuckling]

SUBCASE 100
LOAD = 1 $ Invariant static pre-load
SUBCASE 200
LOAD = 2 $ Varying buckling load
$ -------------
SUBCASE 1200
STATSUB(PRELOAD) = 100
STATSUB(BUCKLING) = 200
METHOD = 5
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 One may wish to linear buckling but with a preload different than the
buckling load. To do this all that is required is , first subcase has the
preload, second subcase has the buckling load, third subcase has
STATSUB(PRELOAD)=first subcase id, STATSUB(BUCKLE)=second
subcase id, METHOD=id of EIGRLin bulk data.

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 Linear Buckling Interface in MSC.Nastran
● Rules of Thumb
● Verify static loadings prior to SOL 105
● Eigenvalue solutions chew up a lot more CPU cycles than linear statics
● Mesh sensitivity
● Buckling models often more refined than detail stress models
● Judicious use of F1
● If load will never reverse, then set F1 > 0
● Numerical considerations –
● Apply best guess of buckling load as static loading
● Eigensolution should avoid extremes for better numerical conditioning
● Shoot for eigensolutions > ~0.1 and < ~1E6
● i.e. don‟t apply a unit 1-lb compressive load to a Saturn V model
● Visually verify buckling shapes
● “Local” mode v. system mode
● Import/plot GRID rotations!
● Max displ may not be a translation!!!

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 LINEAR VERSUS NONLINEAR BUCKLING
● Linear Buckling
K + Kd =0
● Kinematic relationship is linear.
● Constitutive relationship is linear.
● Equilibrium is satisfied in perturbed configuration.
● Geometric stiffness is assumed proportional to the load.
● Use SOL 105.
● Nonlinear Buckling
Kn + K = 0
K = K n -– Kn – 1 Actual Tangent Nonlinear
with
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 •So how should we know if a linear buckling analysis is sufficient??
 Carry out both a linear static analysis and a linear (eigenvalue) buckling
analysis. If the max stress is significantly less than yield, and the buckling
load factor is greater than 1.0, then buckling will probably not occur. If
however the BLF is less than 1.0, then the buckling analysis will be linear
provided that the max stress is far below yield. In all other cases, a non-linear
buckling analysis should be carried out.
If the fundamental buckling load factor is less than unity while the yield
stress of the material has been exceeded, then a geometrical and material
non-linear analysis will be required.
It is very important to know in advance the type of expected buckling
(global or local, bifurcation or snap-through).

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 •So how should we know if a linear buckling analysis is sufficient?? (contd..)
The non-linear stress strain behavior of the material reduces the stiffness
at higher stress (load) levels, and hence elastic formulas from the handbooks
tend to be highly unconservative
 Eg: If a component is structurally slender, and is made of plastic, then the
component faces buckling from three reasons;
• from the low material stiffness,
• the large deflections producing eccentricity during deformation,
• from the non-linearity of the material itself.
It is true that buckling usually occurs when compressive stress is present.
But what is not evident that compressive stress can prevail in un-expected
places. Shallow domes under internal pressure can develop local
compressive stress regions, and make it vulnerable to instabilities.

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 LINEAR VERSUS NONLINEAR BUCKLING
● Kinematic relationship is nonlinear.

● Constitutive relationship may be nonlinear.

● Geometric stiffness is assumed proportional to displacement

increment.

● Equilibrium is satisfied in perturbed configuration.

● Use SOL 106.

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 NONLINEAR BUCKLING ANALYSIS
● Two ways to predict the limit load:
● Arc length increments to trace the equilibrium path.

● PARAM,BUCKLE method.

● One way to predict bifurcation buckling:

● PARAM,BUCKLE method.

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 NONLINEAR BUCKLING ANALYSIS
U

Un – 1 Un Uc r U

U
● PARAM,BUCKLE Concept K

K Limit Point or
Bifurcation
Pc r
P
Pn
P
Pn – 1

Un – 1 Un Uc r U'cr U

Un – 1 Un Uc r U

U Predicted by Analysis

● Note:The error in Ucr may be large, but the corresponding error in

Pcr is small.
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 NONLINEAR BUCKLING ANALYSIS
● PARAM,BUCKLE Theory
● Eigenvalue problem:
Kn + K = 0

K = K n -– Kn – 1 Actual Tangent Nonlinear

with:
Incremental Stiffness

● Kn and Kn–1 are evaluated at the known solution points in the

vicinity of instability
ucr
Fcr F un + K u du = F n + K ud
un o
1 2
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 NONLINEAR BUCKLING ANALYSIS
● Tangent stiffness is assumed to change linearly with displacement.
● Internal loads are quadratic functions of displacement.
● Run SOL 106 for static analysis until a negative determinant [K] is encountered.
● Make a restart run for buckling analysis.
● Use PARAM,BUCKLE,1 or PARAM,BUCKLE,2.
● Include the restart parameters.
● Include PARAM,LGDISP,1.
● Provide two small loading steps below the buckling point.
● Specify KMETHOD = ITER or AUTO with KSTEP = 1 on the NLPARM entry (if the
number of iterations required to converge > 1).
● Specify KMETHOD = ITER with KSTEP = 1 on the NLPARM entry (if the number
of iterations required to converge = 1).
● Include EIGRL via a METHOD command in the Case Control Section.

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 NONLINEAR BUCKLING ANALYSIS
● Make a restart run for buckling analysis. (Cont.)
● Provide mode shape PLOT commands if desired.
● Sometimes, a negative determinant of [K] may be encountered
due to numerical reasons.
● A good idea may be to perform at least two buckling analyses with
different restarting points and compare the calculated buckling
(limit) load.
● Look for sudden increase in displacement values to make sure
that the load is in the vicinity of a limit point.

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 SOL 106 BUCKLING INPUT FILE FORMAT
● Nonlinear Solution Input File format

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 Rule of Thumb for Nonlinear buckling
• NLPARM must be set to ITER and KSTEP must be set to 1.
• NLPARM 2 4 ITER 1 25 YES
• Often times it is best to have multiple sub cases with the load lower (maybe starting at half) of the estimated
linear buckling case. With the intent Pcr based on ALPHA should converge at one answer or get more
accurate as the Pn approaches the buckling load.
• Once Nastran finds a „negative‟ differential stiffness or a buckling incident, it will kick out that differential and
if possible keep applying load. In this way it is possible to find „post-buckling‟ solution or „higher order‟
buckling.
• Once a load exceeds a buckling point it is possible to control if ALPHA is negative or positive. In this way one
can control if a particular subcase will look „forward‟ for a buckling load above the finally converged load, or
look „backward‟ for to a higher buckling load. This is implemented by specifying a V1 or Low Hz value on the
EIRGL card.
• For nonlinear buckling, you normally want the alpha to be between 0.0 and 1.0. If it is above 1.0, that means
you are extrapolating too far away. It may not be as accurate. Increase the Load here and also increase the
subcases.
• Patran will control which subcases will be considered for nonlinear buckling by either including or excluding
the METHOD card at the subcase level. The PARAM BUCKLE 2 will be placed in the Bulk Data section.
1. Turn on lgdisp (LGDISP, 1) - this is always important, as it is the trigger for differential stiffness
2. Run load above buckled load- this is always important to ensure you actually do go unstable
3. Use multiple subcases and perform buckling analysis/eigenvalue extraction at all load cases close to
critical buckling load--this is primarily for sol106 as you can see the eigenvalue predicted Pcr converge to a
final number as the individual subcase loading proceeds closer and closer to the actual buckling load.
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 OUTPUT FORMAT FOR SOL 106 BUCKLING

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 • The theory for linear buckling states that the eigenvalue is a scale factor that when
multiplied by the delta load increment will indicate the buckling load. So in SOL 105 one
can directly multiply the eigen value to the Applied Load. So the first Eigen value says the
structure must have buckled.
•In nonlinear buckling, Alpha is to be applied to incremental load and not to total load.
In general the first eigenvalue is expected to be related to the buckling load, but in many
cases it may not be.. In nonlinear theory the displacements are not linearly related to the
load, so as a result there is an output factor called alpha that is the scale factor to be used
to multiple the delta load increment in order to establish the buckling load. This alpha value
will be close to the eigenvalue, if the delta load increment is small and the nonlinearity is
small, but in most cases not equal to the eigenvalue.
•USER WARNING MESSAGE 4698 and 9004 in the .F06. The messages will indicate that
a negative term is detected. Most importantly one should look for following message in
*.f06 file …
^^^ USER INFORMATION MESSAGE 9040 (NLSTATIC)
^^^ CRITICAL BUCKLING FACTOR (ALPHA)= 8.548921E+00
This means the structure is buckled.
Pcr = current subcase load + [load increment for current subcase/ # of increments] * ALPHA
Ucr = Un + delta U x lambda
Or Pcr = Pn +(delta P) * ALPHA With „delta P‟ = (P(n) - P(n-1)) / No_of_increment

Pcr = Pn + delta P x alpha

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 Example : Let‟s assume one gets this message after your SOL 106 buckling run
0
^^^ USER INFORMATION MESSAGE 9040 (NLSTATIC)
^^^ CRITICAL BUCKLING FACTOR (ALPHA)= 4.915672E+01

And one has

Total Applied Load = 127506.0 (on the "FORCE" card)
No of Increment = 50 (on "NLPARM" Entry)
And alpha = 49.1567 from the above message.

Incremental Load = 127506.0/50 = 2550.12 (or 2.0% (ie,= 1/50) of total applied load)

Pcr = Total Applied Load + (Incremental Load * Alpha)

Pcr = 127506 + 2550.12 * 49.15672 = 252861.5 , (This is the critical buckling load.)

i.e. Factor = 252861.5/127506 = 1.9831

OR

Pcr = 100% + 2% * 49.15672 = 1.98

Note: Load factor has nothing to do with the buckling. It only helps you in realizing how far the structure has converged
and how much is the total load applied. The mathematical solution may continue to apply the load beyond buckling as
well. At this point UIM 9040 (NLSTATIC) helps in realizing the buckling load.

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● In most cases of “stiff” structures,
even when inelastic response may
occur before collapse, an estimate of
the collapse mode shape is useful
● A typical example of a structure that
responds very stiffly to a load is the
Euler column.
● It does so to a compressive axial load until
a critical load is reached, at which point it
bends suddenly and exhibits much lower
stiffness.
● Only in quite restricted cases (linear
elastic, stiff response, no imperfection
sensitivity) it is the only analysis
needed to understand the structure‟s
collapse limit The post-buckling collapse analysis
must be a nonlinear analysis

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IMPERFECTION SENSITIVE STRUCTURES (CONT)
● A typical example is that
of a thin cylinder shell
with an axial
compressive load as
shown in the figure
● Buckling of thin-walled
cylinders often involves
high numbers of waves
in both axial and
circumferential directions
● For accurate results, very
refined meshes are
needed

Axially Compressed Critical

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Cylinder
60 Mode
 IMPERFECTION SENSITIVE STRUCTURES
● Buckling of axially loaded
cylinder with imperfections

Critical
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 IMPERFECTION SENSITIVE STRUCTURES
● In many cases the post- ● Closely spaced eigenvalues
buckled response is unstable. are usually an indication that
structure is imperfection
The collapse load will then
sensitive
depend strongly on ● The imperfections cause the
imperfections in the original buckling modes to interact and will
trigger collapse at a much lower
geometry level than predicted by the
● A structure that behaves in this eigenvalue buckling analysis
manner is called “imperfection ● The eigenvalue algorithm may
sensitive” converge very slowly in such a
● In this case, the actual load may case
be significantly lower than the ● Refining or modifying the mesh
bifurcation load predicted by the produces relevant changes in the
eigenvalue buckling analysis eigenvalue calculations in these
structures

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 IMPERFECTION SENSITIVE STRUCTURES
(CONT)
● Convergence can be improved ● If in doubt, introduce an
substantially by applying part imperfection in the shape of
of the critical “live” load as a the lowest buckling mode into
“dead” load, loading the the structure and make a
structure to just below the nonlinear static analysis using
buckling load on a nonlinear the Riks procedure to obtain
static analysis prior to the the complete pre- and post-
eigenvalue buckling analysis buckling history of the
● This provides a larger separation deformation
of the eigenvalues ● The arclength methods allow for
● Convergence of the analysis with a decrease of the load when a
the preload is much improved load maximum is passed
● The solution algorithm solves
simultaneously for loads and
displacements

In cases where large geometry changes occur prior to

buckling, the nonlinear analysis becomes strictly necessary.
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 ARC LENGTH METHOD
•If the stress-strain or force-deflection curve goes through an inflection point of zero
slope, and you want to try and track that motion, the traditional Newton stiffness
update strategy cannot be used. This is where an Arc Length method can be helpful.
Arc length methods allow the program to reduce the loading, even below a previously
converged loading, in order to find a stability point. Then, they can follow this back up
again.
• In NASTRAN, all you need to do to turn Arc Length on is to add the NLPCI Bulk Data
entry with the same ID as the NLPARM entry. This is specifying how you want to do
arc length method calculations when doing nonlinear analysis.
• Default value for NLPCI is good. Some cases, you want to use a RIKS method,
where in other cases, you want to use a Modified RIKS method. Which is best? It is
problem dependent. NL problems are path dependent and even though you have a
cantilever beam, the loading and stiffnesses may require that you use a different
approach in solving it.
•You cannot use any enforced displacement with the arc length methods. Try to get
the forces of single point constraint out at the maximum load that will converge using
the non arc length methods, like ITER,1.Then apply these loads in a run using the
NLPCI method instead of using the SPC's.
•With NLPCI you just make sure the results are sensible and to do this you normally
look at the force deflection curve.
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 ● Nonlinear Solution with Arc Length: Input File
ID WS_4D_Sol, NAS103, Chap 4 $ Workshop 4D SOL
SOL 106
CEND
TITLE=SIMPLE ONE DOF GEOMETRIC NONLINEAR PROBLE
LABEL=Ref: STRICKLIN & HAISLER; COMP. & STRUC.;
ECHO=SORT
DISP(SORT2)=ALL
SUBCASE 10
LOAD=15
NLPARM=20
BEGIN BULK
PARAM, POST, 0
$ GEOMETRY
GRID, 1, , 0., 0., 0., , 123456
GRID, 2, , 100., 1., 0., , 13456
$ CONNECTIVITY
CROD, 10, 10, 1, 2
$CELAS1, 20, 20, 2, 2, 0
$ PROPERTIES
PROD, 10, 1, .1
$PELAS, 20, 3.
MAT1, 1, 10.E7
$ LOADS
FORCE, 15, 2, , 15., 0. -1., 0.
$
$ SOLUTION STRATEGY
$
PARAM, LGDISP, +1
NLPARM, 20, 10, , ITER, 5, 25, PW, ALL
NLPCI, 20, CRIS, 1., 1., , , , 40
$
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 SOLUTION FOR WORKSHOP PROBLEM 4

Ks=
6

Ks=
3

Ks=0
K
s
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 P
t
R
P P

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