Stability of Structures

Dr. A. M. Niazy, P.E. Spring 2005

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Chapter 1

Basic Concepts of Stability

1.1 Definition of Stability

Most of us have an intuitive idea about a concept of stability. We think that a system is stable if, undergoing changes due to external influence; the state of the system is not drastically changed. We mean by stability that small changes in the forcing functions of the problem cause only small changes on the state of the system.

Can we provide more structure for this intuitive idea by specific examples as shown in Figure 1.1.

Figure 1.1: States of Equilibrium Stability

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We let Z (the distance to the centroid) be a measure of the state of the system.

We say that the sphere is in a state of neutral stability because no matter how far the sphere is displaced from its original position horizontally, Z stays the same.

We say the cone is in a state of unstable equilibrium or it is an unstable system. When the cone is sitting upright we say the system is in the fundamental equilibrium state (the trivial equilibrium state). If the cone is perfect it is possible for the system to remain in the fundamental equilibrium state. However, random perturbations at the base or material imperfections cause the cone to fall over. We thus call the system unstable.

The cube on the other hand is a stable system. This occurs because small changes in the parameter defining a changing outside influence on the system causes only small changes in Z.
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To see these ideas in another problem, we consider the system of the balls shown in Figure 1.2.
B

Figure 1.2: Ball Analogy for Stability

The ball at A is in neutral equilibrium or is neutrally stable. The ball at B is unstable. The ball at C is stable. These definitions are adequate for the consideration of static problems. We will need to extend them later in order to consider dynamic problems.

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In the following sections we give specific examples (using stick models- discrete systems) of the basic stability mechanisms that will form the basis of this course. It is important in these subsequent sections that you gain a working knowledge of the following terms: Fundamental Path (Equilibrium Path) Secondary Path (Post-buckling Path) Critical Load Stability at the Critical Load Imperfection Sensitivity Bifurcation Point Limit Point Linear and Nonlinear Pre-buckled State Linear Buckling Load Snap-through Buckling Energy Criterion for Buckling Non-conservative Loadings

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1.2 A First Example Let us consider a first and most basic example of the axially loaded rigid hinged cantilever before and after deflection as depicted in Figure 1.3

Initial System

Deflected System

Figure 1.3: Axially Loaded Rigid Bar. We will use the minimum potential energy theorem to determine the equilibrium equations and to describe the stability of the system.

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Question: Why use potential energy as opposed to direct equilibrium? Answer: The direct equilibrium approach based on Newtons laws becomes very cumbersome for multiple degrees of freedom whereas the potential energy gives a simpler systematic approach to determine stability.
Axiom 1: A stationary value of the total potential energy with respect to the degrees of freedom is necessary and sufficient for the equilibrium of the system. Axiom 2: A relative minimum of the total potential energy with respect to the degrees of freedom is necessary and sufficient for the stability of an equilibrium state.

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Chapter 1: Basic Concepts of Stability

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Bifurcation Point

Figure 1.4: Equilibrium Paths.

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Effect of Imperfection

Figure 1.5: Axially Loaded Rigid Bar with Imperfection.

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Figure 1.6: Equilibrium Paths for Axially Loaded Imperfect Bar.

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