Buckling dynamics of imperfect Elastica subject to various loading conditions

Buckling dynamics of a pinned-pinned flexible imperfect beam attached to a sliding mass is investigated using nonlinear Elastica theory. Initially straight flexible buckling beam having pinned end boundary conditions loaded at one of its end with curved imperfection is considered. Large deflection analysis of flexible beam is studied using nonlinear Elastica theory. Imperfection analysis of the flexible beam is investigated considering the imperfection as an initial curvature. The governing differential equations are expressed in terms of nonlinear functions that are typical of flexible beams, generally leading to highly implicit relationships involving elliptic integrals and functions. Dynamic simulation of the flexible beam is studied using numerical simulation procedures with various types of loading (step, ramp, and sinusoidal) assuming this member buckles in its first mode. Dynamic response of the imperfect buckling Elastica has been obtained by using numerical Runge-Kutta methods. Load deflection characteristics of flexible beams are presented in polynomial curve fits. The polynomial curve fits obtained from nonlinear inextensible exact beam theory may then be used as the nonlinear lumped system stiffness. The buckling Elastica may find applications in compliant mechanism design. The motivation behind this research is not only to present the dynamic behavior of the buckling beam considering the magnitude of the imperfection but also to provide a tool to design new types of compliant mechanisms. Original compliant mechanism designs are presented demonstrating where the buckling dynamics of imperfect Elastica or flexible curved beams might be needed in mechanism design and synthesis.