The Finite Element Method in Plane Stress Analysis

Abstract

Double corrugated profiles made of thin sheet metal are susceptible to loss of local stability and their shapes exclude the possibility of applying design standards. Arch structures made of these profiles can have a different state of combined axial force and bending moment. Previous scientific research allowed the identification of the load carrying capacity and stability only for selected axial force parameters. The article presents the distribution of the interaction between the bending moment and the axial force, allowing the evaluation of the load-carrying capacity within the entire for static forces. Limit curves were developed using parametrised non-linear numerical analyses. Ansys software and the digital copy of the test model were used for the analysis. Limit curves were generated for two grades of steel and six thicknesses of sheet metal. In addition to the envelope, the limits for the elastic range, the pre-buckling elastoplastic range, and the post-buckling plastic range were estimated. The results are summarised in diagrams and tables.