LAUSR

Abstract This paper presents analytical and experimental investigations on the in-plane nonlinear dynamic buckling of an elastic fixed shallow arch subjected to a central impact load generated by a free-falling object. The analytical method for determining the critical weight and impact velocity of the falling object for dynamic buckling is developed based on the principle of conservation of energy in association with the nonlinear equilibrium path of the arch. The experimental investigation is carried out using a test frame designed by authors and the finite element analysis is also conducted. Comparisons with the experimental and finite element results show that the analytical method can accurately detect dynamic buckling of arches under impact action. It is found that the required weight of the falling object for dynamic buckling is much related to the velocity impacting on the crown of the arch, and decreases with an increase of the impact velocity. It is also found that the weight of the falling object for dynamic buckling is always smaller than the corresponding static buckling load of the arch, indicating that the dynamic buckling of an arch under an impact load is more critical than its static counterpart.