A comprehensive and systematic analysis of elastic structural stability is presented in this volume. Traditional engineering buckling concepts are discussed in the framework of the Liapunov theory of stability by giving an extensive review of the Koiter approach. The perturbation method for both nonlinear algebraic and differential equations is discussed and adopted as the main tool for postbuckling analysis. The formulation of the buckling problem for the most common engineering structures - rods and frames, plates, shells, and thin-walled beams, is performed and the critical load evaluated for problems of interest. In many cases the postbuckling analysis up to the second order is presented. The use of the Ritz-Galerkin and of the finite element methods is examined as a tool for approximate bifurcation analysis. The volume will provide an up-to-date introduction for non-specialists in elastic stability theory and methods, and is intended for graduate and post-graduate students and researchers interested in nonlinear structural analysis problems. Basic prerequisites are kept to a minimum, a familiarity with elementary algebra and calculus is all that is required of readers to make use of this book.

The subject discussed in this book is the stability of thin-walled elastic systems under static loads. The presentation of these problems is based on modern approaches to elastic-stability theory. Special attention is paid to the formulation of elastic-stability criteria, to the statement of column, plate and shell stability problems, to the derivation of basic relationships, and to a discussion of the boundaries of the application of analytic relationships. The author has tried to avoid arcane, nonstandard problems and elaborate and unexpected solutions, which bring real pleasure to connoisseurs, but confuse students and cause bewilderment to some practical engineers. The author has an apprehension that problems which, though interesting, are limited in application can divert the reader's attention from the more prosaic but no less sophisticated general problems of stability theory.

Exploration of principles and applications emphasizes nonelastic stability, focusing on problems of fracture and damage, thermodynamics of stability in irreversible systems, and other key areas. 700 exercise problems. 1991 edition.

This book overcomes the separation existing in literature between the static and the dynamic bifurcation worlds. It brings together buckling and post-buckling problems with nonlinear dynamics, the bridge being represented by the perturbation method, i.e., a mathematical tool that allows for solving static and dynamic problems virtually in the same way. The book is organized as follows: Chapter one gives an overview; Chapter two illustrates phenomenological aspect of static and dynamic bifurcations; Chapter three deals with linear stability analysis of dynamical systems; Chapter four and five discuss the general theory and present examples of buckling and post-buckling of elastic structures; Chapter six describes a linearized approach to buckling, usually adopted in the technical literature, in which pre-critical deformations are neglected; Chapters seven to ten, analyze elastic and elasto-plastic buckling of planar systems of beams, thin-walled beams and plate assemblies, respectively; Chapters eleven to thirteen, illustrate dynamic instability phenomena, such as flutter induced by follower forces, aeroelastic bifurcations caused by wind flow, and parametric excitation triggered by pulsating loads. Finally, Chapter fourteen discusses a large gallery of solved problems, concerning topics covered in the book. An Appendix presents the Vlasov theory of open thin-walled beams. The book is devoted to advanced undergraduate and graduate students, as well as engineers and practitioners. The methods illustrated here are immediately applicable to model real problems. The Book Introduces, in a simple way, complex concepts of bifurcation theory, by making use of elementary mathematics Gives a comprehensive overview of bifurcation of linear and nonlinear structures, in static and dynamic fields Contains a chapter in which many problems are solved, either analytically or numerically, and results commented

Theory of Stability of Continuous Elastic Structures presents an applied mathematical treatment of the stability of civil engineering structures. The book's modern and rigorous approach makes it especially useful as a text in advanced engineering courses and an invaluable reference for engineers.

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.

Bifurcation and Buckling in Structures describes the theory and analysis of bifurcation and buckling in structures. Emphasis is placed on a general procedure for solving nonlinear governing equations and an analysis procedure related to the finite-element method. Simple structural examples using trusses, columns, and frames illustrate the principles. Part I presents fundamental issues such as the general mathematical framework for bifurcation and buckling, procedures for the buckling load/mode analyses, and numerical analysis procedures to trace the solution curves and switch to bifurcation solutions. Advanced topics include asymptotic theory of bifurcation and bifurcation theory of symmetric systems. Part II deals with buckling of perfect and imperfect structures. An overview of the member buckling of columns and beams is provided, followed by the buckling analysis of truss and frame structures. The worst and random imperfections are studied as advanced topics. An extensive review of the history of buckling is presented. This text is ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in engineering and applied mathematics. To assist readers, problems are listed at the end of each chapter, and their answers are given at the end of the book. Kiyohiro Ikeda is Professor Emeritus at Tohoku University, Japan. Kazuo Murota is a Project Professor at the Institute of Statistical Mathematics, Japan, as well as Professor Emeritus at the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan.