A CONCISE AND EXPLICIT FORMULATION OF OUT-OF-PLANE INSTABILITY OF THIN-WALLED MEMBERS

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to present a solution scheme for the problem of out-of-plane instability of thin-walled members. Based on the second order kinematic field, the stiffness equation of linearized finite displacements is formulated for thin-walled members, and given in a concise and explicit form. As a particular case, an important and practical application is made for the lateral-torsional buckling of in-plane beams and frames. Numerical examples are given for straight and curved members, and are compared with existing results. The analysis scheme presented is proved accurate, efficient and versatile.