• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.725-740
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• 2015

This study presents critical buckling load optimization of the axially graded layered uniform columns. In the first place, characteristic equations for the critical buckling loads for all boundary conditions are obtained using the transfer matrix method. Then, for each case, square of this equation is taken as a fitness function together with constraints. Due to explicitly unavailable objective function for the critical buckling loads as a function of segment length and volume fraction of the materials, especially for the column structures with higher segment numbers, initially, prescribed value is assumed for it and then the design variables satisfying constraints are searched using Differential Evolution (DE) optimization method coupled with eigen-value routine. For constraint handling, Exterior Penalty Function formulation is adapted to the optimization cycle. Different boundary conditions are considered. The results reveal that maximum increments in the critical buckling loads are attained about 20% for cantilevered and pinned-pinned end conditions and 18% for clamped-clamped case. Finally, the strongest column structure configurations will be determined. The scientific and statistical results confirmed efficiency, reliability and robustness of the Differential Evolution optimization method and it can be used in the similar problems which especially include transcendental functions.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.133-142
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• 2019

In the present study, microstructure-dependent static stability analysis of inhomogeneous tapered micro-columns is performed. It is considered that the micro column is made of functionally graded materials and has a variable cross-section. The material and geometrical properties of micro column vary continuously throughout the axial direction. Euler-Bernoulli beam and modified couple stress theories are used to model the nonhomogeneous micro column with variable cross section. Rayleigh-Ritz solution method is implemented to obtain the critical buckling loads for various parameters. A detailed parametric study is performed to examine the influences of taper ratio, material gradation, length scale parameter, and boundary conditions. The validity of the present results is demonstrated by comparing them with some related results available in the literature. It can be emphasized that the size-dependency on the critical buckling loads is more prominent for bigger length scale parameter-to-thickness ratio and changes in the material gradation and taper ratio affect significantly the values of critical buckling loads.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.547-554
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• 2022

This paper studies the static stability of an axially graded column with the power-law gradient varying along the axial direction. For a nonhomogeneous column with one end linked to a rotational spring and loaded by a compressive force, respectively, an Euler problem is analyzed by solving a boundary value problem of an ordinary differential equation with varying coefficients. Buckling loads through the characteristic equation with the aid of the Bessel functions are exactly given. An alternative way to approximately determine buckling loads through the integral equation method is also presented. By comparing approximate buckling loads with the exact ones, the approximate solution is simple in form and enough accurate for varying power-law gradients. The influences of the gradient index and the rotational spring stiffness on the critical forces are elucidated. The critical force and mode shapes at buckling are presented in graph. The critical force given here may be used as a benchmark to check the accuracy and effectiveness of numerical solutions. The approximate solution provides a feasible approach to calculating the buckling loads and to assessing the loss of stability of columns in engineering.