A general theory of elastic stability is presented. In contrast to previous works in the field, the present analysis is augmented by an investigation of the behavior of the buckled structure in the immediate neighborhood of the bifurcation point. This investigation explains why some structures, e.g., a flat plate supported along its edges and subjected to thrust in its plane, are capable of carrying loads considerably above the buckling load, while other structures, e.g., an axially loaded cylindrical shell, collapse at loads far below the theoretical critical load.

The Stability of Elastic Systems presents some of the most important aspects of the stability and the non-linear behavior at finite deformations of several types of structural elastic systems, which are important for a more precise understanding of the static performance of such systems. This book is divided into eight chapters that aim to complete parts of classical, eigenvalue, theories of buckling and to demonstrate the important role played by finite deformations in the theoretical analyses of stability. Other chapters discuss the properties of prismatic members and the post-buckling behavior of plane frameworks. A chapter describes the elastic buckling and stability of statically determinate space frameworks. The remaining chapters cover the elastic buckling of statically indeterminate pin-jointed systems and space frameworks. These chapters also examine the non-conservative aspects of structural systems. This book will be of great value to practicing engineers and students.

This book treats stability problems of equilibrium states of elastic rods. Euler energy and dynamical methods of stability analysis are introduced and stability criteria for each method is developed. Stability analysis is accompanied by a number of classical conservative and non-conservative, two- and three-dimensional problems. Some problems are treated by all three methods. Many generalized versions of known problems are presented (heavy vertical rod, rotating rod, Greenhill's problem, Beck's column, Pflger's rod, strongest column, etc.). The generalizations consist in using either a generalized form of constitutive equations or a more general form of loading, or both. Special attention is paid to the influence of shear stresses and axis compressibility on the value of the critical load. Variational methods are applied to obtain estimates of the critical load and maximal deflection in the post-critical state, in a selected number of examples.

This book gives a unified presentation of the field of stability. Buckling and post-buckling states are studied on the basis of total potential energy of structural systems. Emphasis is placed throughout the text on post-buckling analysis and behaviour. The sensitivity of buckling and post-buckling states to changes in design parameters is also discussed as well as changes due to imperfections and damage.

An understanable introduction to the theory of structural stability, useful for a wide variety of engineering disciplines, including mechanical, civil and aerospace.