Torsional and Flexural Buckling of Bars of Thin-Walled Open Section Under Compressive and Bending Loads

Abstract

Abstract The observed behavior of torsionally weak columns in buckling by twisting rather than, or as well as, bending is analyzed in this paper on the basis of a hypothesis due to Wagner. The theory is simplified, and extended to the general section, where results simpler than some already obtained by Kappus are given. It is further extended to bars, restrained by flexible sheets, and bars with constrained axes of rotation. Wagner’s hypothesis is applied to the problem of lateral buckling, where it yields the accepted theory for symmetrical sections, but indicates results of novel form for unsymmetrical cases. Similar results are obtained in the problem of eccentric thrust, whatever the section.