Lateral Torsional Buckling

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Lateral Torsional Buckling
Lateral torsional buckling

1. Types of buckling
When a slender member is subjected to an axial force, failure takes place due to bending or torsion rather than direct compression of the material. Such type of failure is known as buckling, which is one of the main causes for structural failure and thus needs to be taken into account in design. [1] The load, which causes buckling in a member, is referred to as the critical load or the buckling load. Theoretical equations are well known for relatively simple structure types.
Buckling caused by flexure as in Fig. 1.1(a) is referred to as the Euler buckling (Axial-flexural buckling). Torsional buckling and translational buckling also exist, which are divided into lateraltorsional buckling and axial-torsional buckling. Lateral torsional buckling exhibits deformation in a lateral direction as in Fig. 1.1(b) due to a shear direction load. Axial-torsional buckling exhibits torsional deformation as in Fig. 1.1(c) due to an axial load. While the Euler buckling considers only the effects of flexural moments, buckling needs to be considered for the effects of shear, moment and torsion together.
When a thin member is subjected to axial and shear forces and bending moments individually or in combination, the three types of buckling may occur individually or in combination depending on the geometric configuration and boundary conditions. Irrespective of the type of buckling, buckling in a member takes place at the lowest critical load. So finding the first buckling mode and the corresponding buckling load is the prime task in buckling analysis.
(a) axial-flexural buckling (Euler buckling)
(b) lateral-torsional buckling
(c) axial-torsional buckling Fig. 1.1 Types of buckling
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2. Axial torsional buckling

In this section, we will review the properties of a structure, which exhibits axial-flexural buckling (Euler buckling) and axial-torsional buckling.
2.1 Overview of analytical models

Fig. 2.1(a) is a simply supported column of a thin rectangular section subjected to a concentric axial force for which we find the buckling loads. The structure is represented by a beam element model Fig. 2.1(b) and a plate element model Fig. 2.1(c). The beam element model consists of 48 beam elements, and the plate element model consist of elements divided into 48 segments horizontally and 6 segments vertically. We will review the results of both models against the theoretical solution.
Case 1: Beam element (total 48 elements: divided into 48 elements in the horizontal dir.) Case 2: Plate element (total 288 elements: divided into 48 and 6 elements in the horizontal and vertical directions respectively)
(a) Model shape (top View)
(b) Case 1: Beam element model
(c) Case 2: Plate element model Fig. 2.1 Structural geometry and boundary conditions
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2.2 Properties of analytical models

Analysis Type Axial-torsional buckling Unit System N, mm Dimension Length Element Beam element Plate element (thick type without drilling dof) Material Youngs modulus of elasticity Poissions ratio Section Property Beam element: solid rectangular 0.630mm Plate element: thickness 0.6mm, width 5mm & height 5mm Boundary Condition Left end is pinned and right end is roller Load P = 1.0 N E = 71,240N/mm2 = 0.31 240mm
2.3 Analysis results

Fig. 2.2 shows the results up to 11 modes from MIDAS for both beam element and plate element models. Fig. 2.3 shows the mode shapes. The first 10 modes exhibit Euler buckling and the 11th mode exhibits Axial-torsional buckling.
(a) Beam element model
(b) Plate element model
Fig. 2.2 Analysis result (Buckling load)
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Mode 1 (Beam element model)
Mode 1 (Plate element model)
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Mode 11(Plate element model)
Fig. 2.3 Buckling modes
The fact that the beam model is of a uni-axial structure, axial-torsional buckling shape can not be viewed. So for Mode 11, we will refer to the plate model for the buckling shape.
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2.4 Theoretical solution

For a simply supported column subjected to an axial force, the axial-flexural buckling load (Euler buckling load) is found as follows (Gere [1]).
Pcr
n 2 2 EI z L2
where, n : Buckling mode (1, 2, ) L : Length of the element E = Youngs modulus of elasticity
I z = Moment of inertia about local z-axis

Substituting the material and section properties into the above equation, the buckling load is found as:
Pcr
2 71, 240 0.54

2402
6.592 N
For a simply supported column subjected to an axial force, the axial-torsional buckling load is found as follows (Timoshenko and Gere [2]).
Pcr
GI xx A I A E xx I y I z I y I z 2(1 )
E = Youngs modulus of elasticity G = Shear modulus of elasticity
= Poissons ratio
I y = Moment of inertia about local y-axis
I z = Moment of inertia about local z-axis I xx = Torsional moment of inertia

Substituting the material and section properties into the above equation, the buckling load is found as:
Pcr
I xx A E 2.132784 18 71, 240 I y I z 2(1 ) 1,350 0.54 2(1 0.31)
772.920 N
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2.5 Comparison of results

Mode Buckling type Theoretical Solution (N) Beam model Critical load (N) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Euler buckling Euler buckling Euler buckling Euler buckling Euler buckling Euler buckling Euler buckling Euler buckling Euler buckling Euler buckling Axial-torsional 6.592 26.367 59.325 105.467 164.791 237.300 322.991 421.866 533.924 659.166 772.920 6.592 26.365 59.316 105.440 164.728 237.171 322.758 421.480 533.326 658.288 772.920 0.000 0.008 0.015 0.026 0.038 0.054 0.072 0.091 0.112 0.133 0.000 Error (%) Plate model Critical load (N) 6.606 26.581 60.331 108.358 171.145 249.123 342.693 452.259 578.261 721.193 778.084 0.212 0.812 1.696 2.741 3.856 4.982 6.100 7.204 8.304 9.410 0.668 Error (%)
Axial-flexural buckling (Euler buckling) occurs in the Modes 1-10, and Axial-torsional buckling occurs in the Mode 11. Both beam and plate element models show the results close to the theoretical results.
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3. Lateral-torsional buckling
In this section, we will review the lateral-torsional buckling through an example.
3.1 Overview of analytical models

Fig. 3.1 shows a cantilever beam of a thin rectangular section subjected to a concentric axial force and a concentric shear force. We will find the buckling loads. The structure is represented by beam and plate element models, which are divided into 10, 20 and 40 segments horizontally. We will review the results of each model against the theoretical solution.
Case 1: Both beam and plate elements (divided into 10 elements in the horizontal dir.) Case 2: Both beam and plate elements (divided into 20 elements in the horizontal dir.) Case 3: Both beam and plate elements (divided into 40 elements in the horizontal dir.)
Fig. 3.1 Structural geometry and boundary conditions

Analysis Type Lateral torsional buckling Unit System lbf, in Dimension Length Element Beam element and plate element (thick type without drilling dof) 20 in
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Material Youngs modulus of elasticity Poissons ratio Section Property Beam element Plate element Boundary Condition Left end is fixed and right end is free Load P = 1.0 lbf : solid rectangular 0.051 in : thickness 0.05in, width 1.0 in E = 1.0^8 lb/in2 = 2/3

4 Buckling modes are found. Lateral-torsional buckling occurs in all the 4 modes. The analysis results for the beam and plate element models are as follows.
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Case 1: Both beam and plate elements (10 elements)
Beam element model 1st mode Buckling load
Top view
Isometric view
Plate element model 1st mode Buckling load
Top view
Isometric view
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Top view
Isometric view
Top view
Isometric view
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Top view
Isometric view
Top view
Isometric view
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The buckling load for a cantilever beam of a thin rectangular section subjected to a set of concentric axial and shear forces at the tip is found as follows (Timoshenko and Gere [2]).
Pcr
I z I xx 4.013 4.013 EI z GI xx 2 E 2 L L 2(1 )
where, L = Length of the cantilever beam E = Youngs modulus of elasticity G = Shear modulus of elasticity
= Poissons ratio
Substituting the material and section properties into the above equation, we find:
Pcr
I z I xx 4.013 4.013 (1.041667 105 ) (4.035417 105 ) E 108 L2 2(1 ) 202 2(1 2 / 3)
11.266 lbf

Unit : lbf Case Theoretical solution 1 2 3 11.266 Beam element (error) 11.293 11.272 11.267 (0.24%) (0.05%) (0.01%) Critical load for 1st buckling MIDAS Plate element (error) 11.815 11.808 11.809 (4.87%) (4.81%) (4.82%)
Both beam and plate element models show the results close to the theoretical results.
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4. An arch example
In this section we will examine the effects of lateral buckling in an arch bridge. Buckling loads and shapes are examined for the cases considering lateral buckling and without considering lateral buckling. Consideration of lateral buckling is meant to consider shear and bending deformations. This example is examined by assuming that the bridge deck provides no lateral restraint to the girders.
4.1 Overview of analytical model

Fig. 4.1 shows an arch bridge, which is simply supported at each end. It is subjected to dead load, pedestrian load and vehicular load. The girders are thin and long, which are prone to lateral buckling.
(a) Dead load
(b) Pedestrian load
(c) Vehicular load Fig. 4.1 Analytical model and loads
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Fig. 4.2 shows the results corresponding to the cases considering lateral buckling and without considering lateral buckling. As expected, the buckling loads for the case considering lateral buckling are less than those of the case without considering it.
(a) Lateral buckling not considered
(b) Lateral buckling considered
Fig. 4.2 Comparison of buckling loads for the cases considering lateral buckling and without considering lateral buckling
When lateral buckling is not considered, buckling occurs only at the arch part. However, when lateral buckling is considered, the buckling modes from 1 to 11 take place at the bridge deck girders. Only at the 12 mode, buckling occurs at the arch part. This shows the importance of lateral buckling in such a structure.
st th
Fig. 4.3 shows the 1 buckling mode when lateral buckling is considered.
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Fig. 4.3 1 mode when lateral buckling is considered Fig. 4.4 shows the similarity in buckling loads and shapes between the 12
st th
st
mode of the case
considering lateral buckling and the 1 mode of the case without considering lateral buckling.
(a) 1 mode without considering lateral buckling
st
(b) 12 mode considering lateral buckling Fig. 4.4 Comparison of buckling modes between the cases of considering lateral buckling and without considering lateral
th
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buckling
th
Fig. 4.5 shows the similarity in buckling loads and shapes between the 13
mode of the case
considering lateral buckling and the 2nd mode of the case without considering lateral buckling.
(a) 2nd mode without considering lateral buckling
(b) 13 mode considering lateral buckling Fig. 4.5 Comparison of buckling modes between the cases of considering lateral buckling and without considering lateral buckling
th
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5. An example of a silo ceiling frame

In this section we will examine lateral buckling of an industrial structure frame.

Fig. 5.1 shows a frame, which is simply supported at the ends of the girders. Concentrated loads of 0.2tonf exert at each node in the gravity direction. At the intersection, 0.4tonf is applied. The girders are thin and long, which are subjected to only vertical loads without the presence of axial forces.
(a) Boundary conditions
(b) Loading Fig. 5.1 Boundary conditions and loading
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We now seek buckling loads for this example in which no axial forces exist. Without considering lateral buckling (shear and bending deformations), buckling loads can not be obtained. MIDAS finds buckling loads considering axial direction as well as shear and bending deformations.
Fig. 5.2 shows the buckling loads obtained from MIDAS.
Fig. 5.2 Buckling loads considering lateral buckling
The table below compares the results of MIDAS and MSC Nastran, which are almost identical.
Unit : tonf Mode 1 2 3 MIDAS 8.326 9.648 10.132 MSC Nastran 8.326 9.648 10.131 Difference 0.000 0.000 0.001
Fig. 5.3 shows the buckling modes 1 to 3 for this example considering lateral buckling.
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(a) 1 Mode
st
(b) 2 Mode
nd
(c) 3 Mode Fig. 5.3 Buckling modes considering lateral buckling
rd
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6. Cautionary notes
When a moment is applied to a structure consisted of thin plates, buckling analysis results in different solutions depending on how the load is applied. This section explains the characteristics of the lateraltorsional buckling algorithm adopted in MIDAS.

Fig. 6.1 shows different models representing a cantilever beam subjected to a tip moment. The first model is a beam element model. The next two models are plate element models with two different ways of applying the acting moment. Buckling analysis results will be compared among different models. A concentrated moment is applied to the beam element model. Quasitangential moment and Semitangential moment are applied to the plate element models.
(a) Beam element model (Point moment)
(b) Plate element model (Quasitangential moment)
(c) Plate element model (Semitangential moment)
Fig. 6.1 Representation of the external bending moment

Analysis Type Lateral-torsional buckling Unit System lbf, in Dimension Length Element Beam element Plate element (thick type without drilling dof) Material Youngs modulus of elasticity Poissions ratio Section Property Beam element : solid rectangular 0.051 in E = 108 lb/in2 = 2/3 20 in
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Plate element (single coupling force): thickness 0.05 in, width 1.0 in, height 1.0 in Plate element (double coupling force): thickness 0.05 in, width 0.5 in, height 0.5 in Boundary Condition Left end is fixed and right end is free Load M = 1.0 lbfin P = 1.0 lbf (Quasitangential moment, Moment arm: 1 in) P = 0.5 lbf (Semitangential moment, Moment arm: 1 in)

Fig. 6.2 shows the results of 10 buckling modes for the three models.
(a) Beam element model
(b) Plate element model (Quasitangential moment)
(c) Plate element model (Semitangential moment)
Fig. 6.2 Critical load for the external bending moment

For a cantilever beam of a thin rectangular section subjected to a concentrated moment, the buckling load is found as: (Timoshenko and Gere [2]).
M cr
where,
EI z GI xx
E
L
I z I xx 2(1 )
L = Length of the cantilever beam E = Youngs modulus of elasticity G = Shear modulus of elasticity
= Poissons ratio
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Substituting the material and section properties into the above equation, the critical buckling load is found as:
M cr
I z I xx (1.041667 105 ) (4.035417 105 ) 108 2(1 ) 20 2(1 2 / 3)
176.396 lbf in

Unit: lbf in Mode Theoretical solution (Point moment) 1 2 3 4 5 6 176.396 Beam element model (Point moment) 176.576 176.576 534.047 534.047 904.542 904.542 Plate element model Quasitangential moment 90.334 272.256 457.972 650.121 851.507 1065.150 187.623 188.094 567.759 569.799 962.798 967.869 Semitangential moment
When buckling loads due to moment loads are sought, and if torsional displacement occurs at the point of moment load application, it is cautioned that the results differ depending on the use of nodal moments or coupling forces. There are largely two algorithms for reflecting the effects of lateraltorsional buckling. One approach is to consider nodal rotation as small rotation, and the other is to consider it as large rotation (Saleeb et al. [3]). MIDAS uses the large rotation approach. The large rotation approach consistently reflects torsion and bending at the points of reentrant corners, which is implemented in high quality commercial software. The user must use caution when using the large rotation approach in that a coupling force representing a nodal moment is based on Fig. 6.1(c) Semitangential moment rather than Fig. 6.1(b) Quasitangential moment.
The models 6.1(a) and 6.1(c) produce similar results. The difference comes from the points of load
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application and elements. However, the model 6.1(b) produces drastically different results.
6. Reference
1. James M. Gere, Mechanics of Materials, 5th Edition, 2001, Thomson 2. Timoshenko, S.P., and Gere, J.M., (1961). Theory of Elastic Stability, McGraw-Hill, New York. 3. Saleeb, A.F, Chang T.Y.P, Gendy A.S., (1992). Effective modeling of spatial buckling of beam assemblages, accounting for warping constraints and rotation-dependency of moments, Int. J. Num. Meth. Eng., Vol. 33, 469502.
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Lateral Torsional Buckling

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