Hi all,
Can ARSA consider snap through buckling?
Let's say you have an axial member that is pre-deflected in one direction and there is no bracing. Now when you apply a compressive force, the P-delta effects will cause the deflection to increase in the initial direction.
Next let's say you have another axial member that is pre-deflected in the same manner, but there is bracing to prevent further deflection in that direction. Now when you apply a compressive force, the member can actually "snap through" to the other direction and buckle the opposite way.
You can demonstrate this behavior with a standard business card. Hold it lengthwise between your thumb and fingers and squeeze it lightly so that it just starts to deflect. Now use your other hand as a brace to prevent it from moving further in the initial direction. As you apply more compression, the card will suddenly snap through and buckle in the opposite direction.
My first thought is using P-delta analysis.
