Bifurcation and Buckling in Structures

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 fundamentals 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, with their answers at the end of the book.