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A mixed analytical-numerical investigation of snap-through of low arches with a power-law variable thickness

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Abstract

Snap-through is an instability phenomenon that occurs in arch and dome-shaped structures, wherein the structure has to move from a stable equilibrium state through an unstable path into another stable equilibrated configuration in a jumping action. In this study, a linear elastic isotropic low arch is considered as a structure with power-law variable thickness. The phenomenon is investigated by considering the equation of the deflection for the variable thickness arch, solving it with an elegant analytical technique, and finding the snap-through critical load from an extreme condition. The effect of power-law exponent and geometry of the arch centerline on critical load is investigated and the constant thickness case and a very rare case of power-law thickness variation found in literature are considered for verification.

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Correspondence to Ali Asghar Atai.

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This paper was recommended for publication in revised form by Associate Editor Chongdu cho

Ali Asghar Atai received his B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tehran, Iran, in 1990. He obtained his M.Sc. and Ph.D from the University of Alberta, Canada, in 1994 and 1998, respectively. He is currently a professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, Iran. He is also a lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Tehran. His areas of research interest include flexible structural mechanics, continuous media, and dynamics of machines.

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Atai, A.A., Naei, M.H. & Eghtefari, R. A mixed analytical-numerical investigation of snap-through of low arches with a power-law variable thickness. J Mech Sci Technol 24, 2247–2252 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-010-0811-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-010-0811-8

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