Buckling of Viscoelastic Columns. Part I: Constant Load Buckling

Abstract

Abstract The constant load buckling of viscoelastic columns has been studied extensively in the past and equations have been derived to predict the buckling time from the geometry of the columns and the constitutive equation of the material. These theories restrict themselves to columns loaded with an axial load only. A variety of linear as well as nonlinear creep laws have been utilized. In this study, existing creep-buckling equations have been modified to include the effect of lateral loads on the time to buckle. The constitutive equation used is the power law which applies quite well for well-vulcanized elastomers. Furthermore, the viscoelastic response of the material was assumed to be linear, which can be justified by the extremely small compressive strains found before buckling occurs. The validity of the equations has been compared to experimental data obtained on well-vulcanized elastomeric columns of different slenderness ratios under a variety of loading conditions. An attempt has been made to explain some discrepancies between theory and experimental findings.