Scope of Analysis
Focus of the current investigations was on the elastic and plastic dynamic pulse buckling
response of a slender beam, with geometric imperfections, subject to an intense, axial
impulse. Dynamic pulse buckling can be defined as the structural response to a transient
forcing function. Dynamic instability is particularly critical for lightweight, thin walled
members, which is advantageous in structural design optimization, subject to impulsive
loads (e.g. impact, transient). For example, beam elements are an integral component of
structural systems for main structural support (e.g. columns, transverse beams) or as
stiffening members (e.g. cylindrical shells, box beams). The importance o f dynamic
pulse buckling is founded in the fields o f transportation (e.g. crash worthiness studies),
civil structures (e.g. pressure vessels, nuclear reactors), aerospace and military structures.
Numerical analyses, employing the finite difference and finite element methods, as well
as experimental investigations were conducted. Quasi-static and shock wave loading
events were not considered. The present study was concerned with high order events
defined by intense transient loading conditions (i.e. large amplitude, short time period),
which exceeded the critical static buckling Euler limit. The pulse buckling event was
associated with stress wave propagation, where dynamic instability arises due to the
presence of structural geometric imperfections, eccentric loading conditions or nonuniform
boundary conditions. Exploitation of these parameters by impulsive loads can lead to