\

:­
',Ie. __

44 Mechanical Stability Models / Ch. 2

Ch. 2 / Problems

The stability of structures immediately after buckling (bifurcation) was

first investigated systematically by Koiter (Ref. 6), and alternative formula­
tions of the general theory have subsequently been given by Thompson (Refs.
8 and 9) and by SewelI (Ref. 10). Thompson (Ref. 9) and Pope (Ref. 1 I) show
that the derivative dp/d() at the bifurcation can be calculated exactly, for
complicated elastic systems, by a finite-deformation analysis of the Rayleigh­
Ritz type. Some remarks on Koiter's theory are presented in Chapter 5.

PROBLEMS

1. Analyze the system shown using large-deflection theory. Give the load-deflec­
tion curve and the critical load.
(a) Use the classical approach.
(b) Use the kinetic approach.
(c) Use the energy approach.
Figure P2-2.
p
(c) Show that when W = rx,J

3. In the mechanism shown, a I

remains vertical if the bar til
(a) By using any method, fin
plot the curve.

t
Q
a o

1 Figure P2-1.

2. A uniform disc can rotate freely about 0, except that it is restrained by a rota­
tional spring giving a restoring couple rx,() for angular displacement (). A weight
W is attached at radius a and vertically above O.
(a) Show that a stable tilted position, ()o, of equilibrium is possible when
W> rx,/a.
(b) Show that when W> rx,/a, the frequency of small oscillations about the
position of stable equilibrium is

..l /rx, - Wa cos ()o

21C Y I
where I is the moment of inertia (including Wa 2 /g).
Figure P2-3.
Ch. 2 / Problems 45

e~
I
I

~~/ I
a I
I

L I
o

Figure P2-2.

(c) Show that when W = (1,/0, the differential equation for small oscillations is

3. In the mechanism shown, a light stiff rod is pinned at O. There is no friction. P

remains vertical if the bar tilts.
(a) By using any method, find the P - () relation for equilibrium positions, and
plot the curve.

~Vl-a --""

t ~
tl
Q

Figure Pl-3.
J
46 Mechanical Stability Models I Ch. 2
Ch. 2 I Problems
(b) Discuss the stability or instability of all the equilibrium positions in the
6. Consider the rigid bar sh
entire practical range of 8 values.
the spring. Use smaJl-def
4. In the coplanar system shown, the initially vertical rod is rigid. The block to behavior of the imperfe
which the spring is attached slides in the inclined guide and is controlled so that system (8 0 = c = 0).
the spring is always horizontal. All parts have negligible mass except the
7. Repeat Problem 6 assum
weight W.
(a) Show that tilted equilibrium positions are characterized by

z
ka ( 1 - tan
W = -1- 8) cos 8
P tan 2"

(b) Sketch the curve for the two cases tan P small (e.g., 110-) and tan P large
(e.g., 10). What conclusions can you draw as to the stability of the tilted
position? Give reasons.
(c) Show that the vertical position is stable with respect to sufficiently small
disturbances so long as WI < ka z, and find a formula for the frequency of
small oscillations.
(d) Show that when WI = ka z, the begin'Jing of the motion from 8 = 0
following a slight disturbance will be governed by the equation

WIZ Ii 1
z tan p.8 z = 0
-gu - -ka
2

Figure P2-6 and 7

8. Two rigid bars are conne

support at C. Find PC" ass

Figure P2-4.

5. Analyze model C by assuming that the lengths of the rigid bars are unequal. Let these
lengths be I" 12 , and IJ starting from the left. Let the spring constants be k for both.
(a) Use the classical approach.
(b) Use the energy approach.
Figure P2­
 Ch. 2 / Problems 47

6. Consider the rigid bar shown with an initial rotation 0 0 and initial stretch c of
the spring. Use small-deflection theory, and through a complete analysis of the 12
behavior of the imperfect sy~tem, predict critical conditions for the perfect
system (0 0 = c = 0). OND BU KLING AND
7. Repeat Problem 6 assuming that the initial stretch, c, is zero.

• such debonds te

I. I'h(· mosl comm

IC. rhcsc debm

I mination bUCkl)

at the dcbond si

Figure P2-6 and 7.

8. 'fwo rigid bars are connected by rotational springs to each other and to the
support at C. Find Pm assuming that the load remains vertical.

~ A

I
l
I
Ih II1£' debond

first tn'aled for I

{J

r­
l
B the debond bucklin

h a P('rturbatio

esc
tho

Figure P2·8.
L ~
{J
C

Debonds in a Sa
~ ,
:. -~ l'w,

-- - _ _ ' l" _-~

48 Mechanical Stability Models / Ch. 2 Ch. 2 / References

9. Find the critical condition for model D through the kinetic approach. Hint: 7. WHITTAKER, E. T., Analytical
Consider the left leg as a free 00dy and study its motion about the immovable 8. THOMPSON, J. M. T., "Basic)
support. ity," Journal ofthe Mechanics
10. Consider the model shown loaded by a vertical force, P, applied quasistatically. 9. THOMPSON, J. M. T., "Eigenv
Establish critical conditions for the system (for 0). Ritz Procedure," Quarterly 0
(a) Use the equilibrium approach.
(b) Use the energy approach. 10. SEWELL, M. J., "On the COl
Equilibrium Surface," Journa
11. Repeat Problem 10 assuming C is constant. p. 203, 1966.
12. Repeat Problem 10 assuming C = A + B sin f) + D sin 2 () (nonlinear spring). 11. POPE, G. G., "On the Bifur
Note that the numerical work involved is complicated and a computer program Shallow Shells," The Aeronau
is needed as well as knowledge of the values of the different parameters.
p

Undeflected

position

~ :~~-i~~'d,m'Ii'"
~,,~~ ---~

±'
<

.. _- Q
1_
.1
Figure P2-10, 11, and 12.

REFERENCES

1. STOKER, J. J., Nonlinear Vibrations, Interscience Publishers, Inc., New York,

1950.
2. MALKIN, I. G., Theory of Stability of Motion, A.E.C. Translation 3352, Dept.
of Commerce, U.S.A., 1958.
3. LASALLE, J. P., and LEfSCHETZ, S. Stability of Liapunov's Direct Method With
Applications, Academic Press, New York, 1961.
4. KRASOVSKIJ, N. N., Stability of Motion, transiated from the Russian by J. L.
Brenner, Stanford University Press, Stanford, Calif., 1963.
5. HAYASHI, C., Nonlinear Oscillations in Physical Systems, McGraw-Hili Book
Co., New York, 1964.
6. KOlTER, W. T., "The Stability of Elastic Equilibrium," Thesis, Delft, 1945
(English translation NASA TI-F-I0833, 1967).