Post-buckling analysis of a strut with general initial imperfection

Computational procedure has been presented for the post-buckling analysis of a strut with initial imperfection when subjected to progressive end shortening. Polynomial expression in very general form is used to simulate the actual initial imperfection, while the deformations are expressed by suitable trigonometric series. Geometric non-linearity is introduced into the strain-displacement relations in a manner that is consistent with the von Karman assumptions. Non-linear equilibrium equations are solved by a Newton-Raphson procedure. Results are presented for cases with symmetric and non-symmetric initial imperfection. Good comparison with other solutions and experimental results is obtained in all applications. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.