Eigenvalue Buckling Analysis

Background
An Eigenvalue Buckling analysis predicts the theoretical buckling strength of
an ideal elastic structure. This method corresponds to the textbook approach
to an elastic buckling analysis: for instance, an eigenvalue buckling analysis
of a column matches the classical Euler solution. However, imperfections and
nonlinearities prevent most real-world structures from achieving their
theoretical elastic buckling strength. Therefore, an Eigenvalue Buckling
analysis often yields quick but non-conservative results.

A more accurate approach to predicting instability is to perform a nonlinear

buckling analysis. This involves a static structural analysis with large
deflection effects turned on. A gradually increasing load is applied in this
analysis to seek the load level at which your structure becomes unstable.
Using the nonlinear technique, your model can include features such as
initial imperfections, plastic behavior, gaps, and large-deflection response. In
addition, using deflection-controlled loading, you can even track the post-
buckled performance of your structure (which can be useful in cases where
the structure buckles into a stable configuration, such as "snap-through"
buckling of a shallow dome, as illustrated below).

(a) Nonlinear load-deflection curve (b) Eigenvalue buckling curve.

Eigenvalue Buckling in Mechanical
In Mechanical, an Eigenvalue Buckling analysis is a linear analysis and
therefore cannot account for nonlinearities. It employs the Linear
Perturbation Analysis procedure of MAPDL. This procedure requires a pre-
loaded environment from which it draws solution data for use in the
Eigenvalue Buckling analysis. Based on this requirement, an Eigenvalue
Buckling analysis can consider nonlinearities that are present in the pre-
stressed environment allowing you to attain a more accurate real-world
solution as compared to a traditional linear preloaded state.

Note: The content of this Help page is based on the use of the ANSYS
Mechanical APDL Solver.
Points to Remember

An Eigenvalue Buckling analysis must be linked to (proceeded by)

a Static Structural Analysis. This static analysis can be either linear
or nonlinear and the linear perturbation procedure refers to it as
the "base analysis" (as either linear or nonlinear).

The nonlinearities present in the static analysis can be the result of

nonlinear:

o Geometry (the Large Deformation property is set

to Yes)

o Contact status (a contact definition other

than Bonded and No Separation type with MPC
formulation)

o Material (e.g., definition of nonlinear material properties

in Engineering Data, such as hyperelasticity, plasticity,
etc.)

o Connection (e.g., nonlinear joints and nonlinear springs)

A structure can have an infinite number of buckling load factors.

Each load factor is associated with a different instability pattern.
Typically the lowest load factor is of interest.

Based upon how you apply loads to a structure, load factors can
either be positive or negative. The application sorts load factors
from the most negative values to the most positive values. The
minimum buckling load factor may correspond to the smallest
eigenvalue in absolute value.

For Pressure boundary conditions in the Static Structural analysis:

if you define the load with the Normal To option for faces (3D) or
edges (2-D), you could experience an additional stiffness
contribution called the "pressure load stiffness" effect. The Normal
To option causes the pressure acts as a follower load, which means
that it continues to act in a direction normal to the scoped entity
 even as the structure deforms. Pressure loads defined with
the Components or Vector options act in a constant direction
even as the structure deforms. For a same magnitude, the "normal
to" pressure and the component/vector pressure can result in a
significantly different buckling load factors in the follow-on
Eigenvalue Buckling analysis.

Buckling mode shapes do not represent actual displacements but

help you to visualize how a part or an assembly deforms when
buckling.

The procedure that the MAPDL solver uses to evaluate buckling

load factors is dependent upon whether the pre-stressed
Eigenvalue Buckling analysis is linear-based (linear prestress
analysis) or nonlinear-based (nonlinear prestress analysis). The
subsequent Help topics examine each case.

Linear-based Eigenvalue Buckling Analysis

Note the following when you have created an Eigenvalue Buckling analysis
when the base analysis is linear:

For a linear upstream Static Structural Analysis, you can define loading
conditions only in the upstream analysis.

The results calculated by the Eigenvalue Buckling analysis are buckling load
factors that scale all of the loads applied in the Static Structural analysis.
Thus for example if you applied a 10 N compressive load on a structure in
the static analysis and if the Eigenvalue Buckling analysis calculates a load
factor of 1500, then the predicted buckling load is 1500x10 = 15000 N.
Because of this it is typical to apply unit loads in the static analysis that
precedes the buckling analysis.

The buckling load factor is to be applied to all the loads used in the static
analysis.

Note that the load factors represent scaling factors for all loads. If certain
loads are constant (for example, self-weight gravity loads) while other loads
are variable (for example, externally applied loads), you need to take special
steps to ensure accurate results.
One strategy that you can use to achieve this end is to iterate on the
Eigenvalue buckling solution, adjusting the variable loads until the load
factor becomes 1.0 (or nearly 1.0, within some convergence tolerance).

Consider, for example, a pole having a self-weight W0, which supports an

externally-applied load, A. To determine the limiting value of A in an
Eigenvalue Buckling analysis, you could solve repetitively, using different
values of A, until by iteration you find a load factor acceptably close to 1.0.

If you receive all negative buckling load factor values for your Eigenvalue
Buckling analysis and you wish to see them in the positive values, or vice
versa, reverse the direction of all of the loads you applied in Static Structural
analysis.

You can apply a nonzero constraint in the static analysis. The load factors
calculated in the buckling analysis should also be applied to these nonzero
constraint values. However, the buckling mode shape associated with this
load will show the constraint to have zero value.

Nonlinear-based Eigenvalue Buckling Analysis

Note the following when you have created an Eigenvalue Buckling

analysis when the base analysis is nonlinear:

At least one form of nonlinearity must be defined in the pre-

requisite static analysis.

In addition to the loads defined in Static Structural Analysis,

you must define at least one load in the buckling analysis to
proceed with the solution. To enable this, setting the Keep
Pre-Stress Load-Pattern property to Yes (default setting)
retains the loading pattern from the Static Structural Analysis
in the Eigenvalue Buckling analysis. Settings the property
to No requires you to define a new loading pattern for the
 Eigenvalue Buckling analysis. This new loading pattern can
be completely different from that of the prestress analysis.

In a nonlinear-based Eigenvalue Buckling analysis, load

multipliers scale the loads applied in buckling analysis ONLY.
When estimating the ultimate buckling load for the structure,
you must account for the loading applied in both static
structural and eigenvalue analyses. The equation to calculate
the ultimate buckling load for the Nonlinear-based Eigenvalue
Buckling analysis is:

FBUCKLING = FRESTART + i FPERTRUB

where:

o FBUCKLING = The ultimate buckling load for the

structure.

o FRESTART = Total loads in Static Structural analysis at

the specified restart load step .

o i = Buckling load factor for the "i'th" mode.

o FPERTRUB = Perturbation loads applied in buckling

analysis.

For example, if you applied a 100 N compressive force on a

structure in the static analysis and a compressive force of 10
N in the Eigenvalue Buckling analysis and you get a load
factor of 15, then the ultimate buckling load for the structure
is 100 + (15 x 10) = 250 N.

Note: You can verify the ultimate buckling load of the

above equation using the buckling of a one dimensional
column. However, calculating the ultimate buckling
load for 2D and 3D problems with different
combinations of loads applied in the Static Structural
and Eigenvalue Buckling analyses may not be as
straightforward as the 1D column example. This is
because the FRESTART and FPERTRUB values are essentially
the effective loading values in the static and buckling
analyses, respectively.

Consider, for example, a cantilever beam that has a

theoretical ultimate buckling strength of 1000N and which is
 subjected to a compressive force (A) of 250N. The procedure
to calculate the ultimate buckling load (F), based on the load
factors evaluated by Mechanical for Linear-Based and
Nonlinear-Based Eigenvalue Buckling analyses is illustrated in
the following schematic.

Note: As illustrated, cases (3) and (5) are identical. In

Case (3), setting the Keep Pre-Stress Load-
Pattern property to Yes automatically retains the
loading from pre-stress analysis for the buckling
analysis. As a result, there is no need to define new
loads for the buckling analysis in Case 3. For Case 5,
the Keep Pre-Stress Load-Pattern property is set
to No, allowing you to define a new load pattern in the
buckling analysis which can be completely different
from that of the Static Structural analysis.

The buckling load factor evaluated in nonlinear-based

Eigenvalue Buckling should be applied to all the loads used in
the buckling analysis.

If you receive all negative buckling load factor values for your
Eigenvalue Buckling analysis and you wish to see them in the
positive values, or vice versa, reverse the direction of all of
 the loads you applied in the Static Structural analysis when
the Keep Pre-Stress Load-Pattern property is set to Yes. If
this property is set to No, reverse the direction of all of the
loads that you applied in Eigenvalue Buckling analysis.

Preparing the Analysis

Create Analysis System

Basic general information about this topic

... for this analysis type:

Because this analysis is based on the Static Structural solution, a Static

Structural analysis is a prerequisite. This linked setup allows the two analysis
systems to share resources such as engineering data, geometry, and
boundary condition type definitions made in Static Structural analysis.

From the Toolbox, drag a Static Structural template to the Project

Schematic. Then, drag a Eigenvalue Buckling template directly onto
the Solution cell of the Static Structural template.

Define Engineering Data

Basic general information about this topic

... for this analysis type:

Young's modulus (or stiffness in some form) must be defined.

Material properties can be linear, nonlinear, isotropic or

orthotropic, and constant or temperature-dependent.

Attach Geometry

Basic general information about this topic

... for this analysis type:

There are no specific considerations for an Eigenvalue Buckling analysis.

Define Part Behavior

Basic general information about this topic

 ... for this analysis type:

There are no specific considerations for an Eigenvalue Buckling analysis.

Define Connections

Basic general information about this topic

... for this analysis type:

Linear-based Eigenvalue Buckling Analysis

When the Formulation property is set to MPC,

the Bonded and No Separation options of the Type property
are considered linear contact behaviors for Eigenvalue Buckling
analyses.

Springs with linear stiffness definition are taken into account if

they are present in the static analysis.

Only Bushing and General joints enable you to solve an

analysis with nonlinear Joint Stiffness. Mechanical considers all
other joint types to be linear. The application accounts for linear
joints if they are present in the static analysis.

Nonlinear-based Eigenvalue Buckling Analysis

All nonlinear connections (including nonlinear springs and joints)

are allowed.

Apply Mesh Controls/Preview Mesh

Basic general information about this topic

... for this analysis type:

There are no considerations specifically for an Eigenvalue Buckling analysis.

Establish Analysis Settings

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... for this analysis type:

For an Eigenvalue Buckling analysis, the basic Analysis Settings include:

Options

Use the Max Modes to Find property to specify the

number of buckling load factors and corresponding
buckling mode shapes of interest. Typically the first
(lowest) buckling load factor is of interest. The default
value for this field is 2. You can change this default
setting under the Buckling category of
the Frequency options in the Options preference
settings tool.

The Keep Pre-Stress Load-Pattern property is

available for nonlinear-based Eigenvalue Buckling
analyses. Use this property to specify whether you
want to retain the pre-stress loading pattern to
generate the perturbation loads in the Eigenvalue
Buckling analysis. The default setting for this property
is Yes, which automatically retains the structural
loading pattern for the buckling analysis (refer to
the ALLKEEP LoadControl key setting
for PERTURB command). Setting the property
to No requires you to define a new loading pattern for
the Eigenvalue Buckling analysis (refer
to PARKEEP LoadControl key setting
for PERTURB command).

Important: The PARKEEP LoadControl key

retains all displacements applied in Static
Structural analysis for reuse in Eigenvalue
Buckling analysis. Any non-zero displacements
applied in static analysis act as loads in
Eigenvalue Buckling analysis. If you specifying
different load types in the buckling analysis that
are scoped to the same geometric entities and in
the same direction, may be ignored. Please
define your new loading pattern carefully.
Solver Controls

Solver Type: The default option, Program

Controlled, allows the application to select the
appropriate solver type. Options include Program
Controlled,Direct, and Subspace. By default,
the Program Controlled option uses
the Direct solver for Linear-based Eigenvalue Buckling
 and Subspace solver for Nonlinear-based Eigenvalue
Buckling analyses.

Note: Both the Direct and Subspace solvers

evaluate the buckling solutions for most
engineering problems. If you experience a
solution failure using one of the solvers because
it cannot find the requested modes, it may help
to switch the solvers. If both of the solvers fail to
find the solution, then review your model
carefully for possible stringent input
specifications or loading conditions.

Include Negative Load Multiplier: The default

option Program Controlled and Yes will extract both
the negative and positive eigenvalues (load
multipliers). Set the property to No to extract only
positive eigenvalues (load multipliers).

Output Controls

By default, only buckling load factors and corresponding buckling

mode shapes are calculated. You can
request Stress and Strain results to be calculated but note that
stress results only show the relative distribution of stress in the
structure and are not real stress values.

Note: Output Controls are only exposed for the ANSYS

solver.
Analysis Data Management

These properties enable you to define whether or not to save the

Mechanical APDL application database as well as automatically
delete unneeded files.

Define Initial Conditions

Basic general information about this topic

... for this analysis type:

You must point to a static structural analysis of the same model in the initial
condition environment.
 An Eigenvalue Buckling analysis must be preceded by a
Static Structural analysis and the same solver type must be
used for each (ANSYS or Samcef).

The Pre-Stress Environment property in the Pre-Stress

(Static Structural) Initial Condition object displays whether
the pre-stress environment is considered linear or nonlinear
for the Eigenvalue Buckling analysis.

If the Static Structural analysis has multiple result sets, the

value from any restart point available in the Static Structural
analysis can be used as the basis for the Eigenvalue Buckling
analysis. See the Restarts from Multiple Result Sets topic in
the Applying Pre-Stress Effects Help section for more
information.

Apply Loads and Supports

Basic general information about this topic

... for this analysis type:

Loads are supported by Eigenvalue Buckling analysis only when the pre-
stressed environment has nonlinearities defined.

The following loads are allowed for a nonlinear-based Eigenvalue Buckling

analysis:

Loads: Thermal Condition

Direct FE (node-based Named Selection scoping and

constant loading only):

o Nodal Force

o Nodal Pressure

o Nodal Displacement - At least one non-

zero Component is required for the boundary
condition to be fully defined.

Note:
Choosing to keep the default setting (Yes) for the Keep
Pre-Stress Load-Pattern property retains the pre-
 stress loading pattern for the buckling analysis and no
additional load definition is necessary.
For Nodal Pressure, the only definition option
is Normal To. This results in the "pressure load
stiffness" effect. To avoid the pressure stiffness effect,
apply an equivalent Nodal Force load to the same
surface and set the Divide Load by Nodes property
to Yes. The equivalent force is equal to the value of the
pressure multiplied by the area of the scoped surface.
The node-based Named Selections used with the
above Direct FE Loads cannot contain nodes scoped
to a rigid body.

No loading conditions can be created in a linear-based Eigenvalue Buckling

analysis. The supports as well as the stress state from the linked Static
Structural analysis are used in the linear-based Eigenvalue Buckling analysis.
See the Applying Pre-Stress Effects for Implicit Analysis Help section for more
information about using a pre-stressed environment.

Solve

Basic general information about this topic

... for this analysis type:

Solution Information continuously updates any listing output from the

solver and provides valuable information on the behavior of the structure
during the analysis.

Review Results

Basic general information about this topic

... for this analysis type:

You can view the buckling mode shape associated with a particular load
factor by displaying a contour plot or by animating the deformed mode
shape. The contours represent relative displacement of the part.

Buckling mode shape displays are helpful in understanding how a part or an

assembly deforms when buckling, but do not represent actual displacements.

Stresses from an Eigenvalue Buckling analysis do not represent actual

stresses in the structure, but they give you an idea of the relative stress
distributions for each mode. You can make Stress and Strain results
available in the buckling analysis by setting the proper Output
Controls before the solution is processed.