Buckling analysis of thin-walled members via semi-analytical finite strip transfer matrix method

Abstract

Slender thin-walled members are main components of modern engineering structures, whose buckling behavior has been studied widely. In this article, thin-walled members with simply supported loaded edges can be discretized in the cross-section by semi-analytical finite strip technology. Then, the control equations of the strip elements will be rewritten as the transfer equations by transfer matrix method. This new method, named as semi-analytical finite strip transfer matrix method, expands the advantages of semi-analytical finite strip method and transfer matrix method. This method requires no global stiffness matrix, reduces the size of matrix, and improves the computational efficiency. Compared with finite element method’s results of three different cross-sections under axial force, the method is proved to be reliable and effective.