Dynamic Pulse Buckling--Theory and Experiment

This monograph brings together research results on dynamic buckling from reports and technical papers produced during the past two decades by the authors and their co-workers at SRI International (formerly Stanford Research Institute). Much of the original research was sponsored by DNA, either directly or through the Air Force Weapons Laboratory. We focus on buckling from intense loads, well above static buckling loads, but of short enough duration that the buckle amplitudes can be small and cause no serious damage. We present a systematic development of dynamic pulse buckling, from simple elastic buckling of bars to the most recent developments in biaxial plastic flow buckling of shells. Emphasis is on developing an understanding of the buckling processes and on making available practical theory that can be used for estimating buckling strengths of structural elements (bars, plates, rings, shells) under a variety of pulse loadings. Familiarity with static buckling in these elements is assumed, but most derivations are made from fundamental principles so that the monograph can be used as a graduate level textbook. Each chapter is written to be understood independently so that the practicing engineer can go directly to the theory and experiment most appropriate to a specific problem. (Author)