A simplified geometric stiffness in stability analysis of thin-walled structures by the finite element method

Vibration analysis of a thin-walled structure can be performed with a consistent mass matrix determined by the shape functions of all degrees of freedom (d.o.f.) used for construction of conventional stiffness matrix, or with a lumped mass matrix. In similar way stability of a structure can be analysed with consistent geometric stiffness matrix or geometric stiffness matrix with lumped buckling load, related only to the rotational d.o.f. Recently, the simplified mass matrix is constructed employing shape functions of in-plane displacements for plate deflection. In this paper the same approach is used for construction of simplified geometric stiffness matrix. Beam element, and triangular and rectangular plate element are considered. Application of the new geometric stiffness is illustrated in the case of simply supported beam and square plate. The same problems are solved with consistent and lumped geometric stiffness matrix, and the obtained results are compared with the analytical solution. Also, a combination of simplified and lumped geometric stiffness matrix is analysed in order to increase accuracy of stability analysis.