Linear vs Nonlinear Buckling

Choosing between linear buckling and nonlinear buckling in given case can be difficult. Both approaches have positive and negative aspects. I explain here what are the differences, and when to use each analysis. I promise not to use complicated mathematics, nor highly theoretical approach. Instead I will use a simple example to easily describe differences.

My first encounter to this problem

Linear vs nonlinear buckling dilemma got to me when I started my PhD in shell stability. As a civil engineer I wasn't really trained in FEA during studies (apart from obvious programs for structural design). Modeling a shell for Abaqus or NX Nastran was definitely a challenge, but one I could quickly overcame. Problems started when I had to actually define an analysis type for my problem.

I quickly realized that there are far to many possibilities I have never heard about to choose from. Analysis called "buckling" obviously looked promising, and was my first bet :) Later I realized that such approach was frown upon by some of the "scientific" crowd, so I have searched for an alternative. That way (and thanks to Cornelia Doerich PhD thesis!) I managed to learn about nonlinear buckling! It was then when something "clicked" for me, and I simply never looked at any engineering problem in the same way as before. If you have no experience with nonlinear analysis, I would greatly advice you to take a look - you will be surprised how incredible it may be!

Linear vs nonlinear buckling: all you need to know

Below, you have a you will see a short video, where I describe what are the differences in linear and nonlinear buckling on a simple shell example. If you have missed it, you can read on my blog about both linear buckling, and nonlinear buckling.

Happy watching :)

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