The In-Plane Buckling of Elastic Support Circular Arches Considering the Geometrical Imperfections

The equilibrium equations of elastic support circular arches considering geometrical imperfections are deduced from variation principle. And the relations between external load, radial displacement and axial forces are determined; also the equilibrium conditions of snap-through buckling and bifurcation buckling in circular arch are ascertained respectively. Further, influences of geometrical imperfections and elastic supports on in-plane stability are analysis with analytical and finite element (FE) method. And the compared results display that the two methods coincide with each other very well for smaller opening angle in circular arches. The geometrical imperfections have only certain effects on the buckling path, while the elastic support rigidity play a significant role in both the path and critical load of snap-through buckling.