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Buckling and vibration of stiffened plates

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 International Review of Mechanical Engineering (I.RE.M.E.), Vol. 1, n. 1

Buckling and vibration of stiffened plates

Gabor M. Vörös

Abstract – The buckling and dynamic characteristics of stiffened plates subjected to dead loads
are studied using the finite element method. In structural modeling, the plate and the stiffener are
treated as separate elements where the displacement compatibility transformation between these
two types of elements takes into account the constraint torsional warping effect in the stiffener.
The development is based on a general beam theory, which includes the effect of flexural-torsion
coupling, constrained torsion warping, and shear center location. The virtual work principle
includes the second order terms of finite beam rotations. Numerical tests are presented to
demonstrate the importance of torsion warping constraints.

Keywords: Finite element, Stiffener, Free vibration, Buckling load, Constraint torsion

I. Introduction
Many mechanical engineering structures consist of
stiffened thin plate and shell elements to improve the
strength/weight ratio. The buckling and vibration
characteristics of stiffened plates and shells subject to
initial or dead loads are of considerable importance to
mechanical and structural engineers.
In the early analysis of stiffened plates an equivalent
orthotropic plate model was widely implemented to
obtain solutions. This model is unable to predict the
actual behaviour of the system except when the
stiffeners are very light and closely spaced. A more
realistic and accurate model is achieved through the
separate consideration of the plate and the stiffeners
using plate and beam elements. Using the technique
where stiffeners are modelled by beam finite elements,
Jirousek [1] formulated a 4-node isoparametric beam
element including transverse shear and Saint-Venant
torsion effects. A combined stiffened element, where
the stiffener can be placed anywhere within the
plate/shell element, was presented in Refs. [2] and [3].
Recently, Srivastava et al. studied the vibration and
buckling of simply supported reinforced plates subject
to different loads in Ref. [4]. It is a common feature of
finite element based methods that in order to attain
displacement continuity, a rigid fictitious link is applied
to connect one node in the plate element to the beam
node shearing the same section. This approach neglects
the out-of-plane warping displacements of the beam
section and, in such cases, the usual formulation
overestimates the stiffener torsional rigidity. To
improve the stiffener element Patel et al. in Ref. [5]
introduced a torsion correction factor. This is analogous
to the shear correction factor introduced in the beam
theory.
According to Saint-Venant’s theory of free torsion,
the cross-section does not generally remain plain and
the points can move freely in the direction of the axis of
the rod and the angle of torsion changes linearly with a
constant rate. If this torsional warping is restricted by
external or internal constraints, then the rate of torsion
will also change along the rod. The theory of impeded
torsion was developed by Vlasov [6]. Apart from Ref.
[7], the author could find any work in the literature
involved in the examination of constrained torsion in
the stiffening beam elements of complex plate/shell
structures. However, the effect is obvious, especially in
terms of dynamics and stability phenomena when the
global characteristics of a structure are investigated,
such as frequencies, mode shapes, or critical load
causing a loss of stability. Investigations of stand-alone
beam structures verify that an approximate or more
accurate modelling of the torsional stiffness,
eccentricity, or mass distribution of the stiffening rod
thereof can considerably modify the value.
Theoretically – and practically as well, if there is
adequate capacity available – beam-type components in
complex structures can also be modelled by flat shell, or
even spatial finite elements. Consequently, the size of
the model and the number of degrees of freedom will
change considerably, increasing the time required for
calculations and making the interpretation and
evaluation of results more difficult. It is a better solution
if the properties of components are improved and the
ranges of phenomena possible to be modelled are
increased at the element level.
As the main objective of the present paper is to
study the effect of constraint torsion, the shear
deformation of the beam is neglected and the
formulation of the stiffener is based on the well-known
Bernoulli-Vlasov theory. For the finite element analysis,
cubic Hermitian polynomials are utilized as the beam
shape functions of lateral and torsional displacements.
The stiffener element has two nodes with seven degrees
of freedom per node. In order to maintain displacement
compatibility between the beam and the stiffened

Manuscript received January 2006, revised January 2006, accepted February 2006 Copyright © 2006 Praise Worthy Prize - All rights reserved
 Gabor M. Vörös

element, a special transformation is used, which deformations is obtained as specified by Kim M.Y. in
includes the coupling of torsional and bending rotations. Ref.[10]:
In the numerical analysis, the plate was modelled with  1 
four-noded thick shell elements. This is derived by u = uS +  Ω + ΩΩ  ( R − R S ) = U + U* , (2)
 2 
combining a quadrilateral Mindlin plate element of
where R = [ 0 r s ] , RS = 0 yCS z CS  and
T T
Bathe and Dvorkin [8] (known as MITC4, mixed
interpolation of tensorial components) with a plane-
 0 −γ β 
stress element where the contribution of drilling degrees
of freedom was taken into account as it was proposed Ω =  γ 0 −α 
by Allman and Cook [9].  −β α 0 
The equation for the periodic vibration of an elastic
system undergoing small deformations and is the “small” rotation matrix. Rewriting displacements
displacements can be expressed in the form in a component form results in
 G
 ( )
 K + K σ0 − ω2 M  U = 0 , (1)
where K, KG and M are the global linear stiffness, Ux 
 
geometric stiffness and mass matrices, respectively, and U = [ U i ] =  U y  = uS + Ω ( R − R S )
U is the set of nodal displacements or mode shapes. U 
Here σ0 represents the initial stress state due to static  z (3a)
loads and ω stands for frequency.  u + ϑϕ β (s − z CS ) − γ (r − yCS ) 
=  v  +  −α (s − z CS )  ,

II. Kinematics of the beam  w   α (r − yCS ) 

Let us have a straight beam member with an  U*x 

asymmetric cross-section as it is shown in Fig. 1. The   1
U* =  U*i  =  U*y  = ΩΩ ( R − R S )
local axis x is parallel to the axis of the beam element     2
and passes through the end nodes N1 and N2. The co-  U*z 
ordinate axes y and z are parallel to the principal axes, (3b)
 
signed as r and s. The positions of the centroid C and  αβ(r − yCS )+αγ (s − zCS ) 
( )
shear centre S in the plane of the section are given by 1 2 2 
the relative co-ordinates yNC, zNC and yCS, zCS. The =  − α + γ (r − yCS )+βγ (s − z CS )  ,
2
 
external line loads are applied along points P located
ySP and zSP from the shear centre. (
2 2
)
 βγ (r − yCS ) − α + β (s − z CS ) 
Z
z s fz
x P
where U and U* are the displacements corresponding to
Y the first and second order terms of displacement
N2 fy
zSP
X parameters. Here the out-of-plane torsional warping
S
zCS
C r
displacement is defined by the ϑ(x) warping parameter
y L and the φ(r,s) warping function normalized with respect
zNC
to the shear centre. For thin-walled sections φ = - ω, the
N1 z N yNC yCS ySP y sector area co-ordinate.

Fig.1. Beam element local systems and eccentricities II.1. Beam stress resultants

Displacement measures for an initially straight, According to the assumption of rigid in plane
prismatic beam element can be described on the deformations the stress resultants in a cross section can
assumption that the cross-section undergoes a rigid be defined as:
body-like motion. Accordingly, u, v, w are the rigid N = ∫ σx dA , Vr = ∫ τxr dA , Vs = ∫ τxs dA ,
body translations in the x, y, and z directions of point S A A A
and α, β, γ denote rigid body rotations about the shear Mr = ∫ s σx dA , Ms = − ∫ r σx dA , B = ∫ ϕ σx dA ,
centre axes parallel to x, y and z, respectively. The axial A A A
displacement is the sum of u, effect of rotations β and γ T= ∫ ( r − yCS ) τxs − ( s − zCS ) τxr  dA = Mx +Vs yCS − Vr zCS ,
and the out-of-plane torsion warping displacement. It A
MP = ∫ ( r − yCS ) + ( s − zCS )  σx dA =
2 2
should be noted that all local displacement parameters
are defined at the shear centre S as it is shown in Fig. 2.  
A
Based on large rotation theory, the displacement N i2pS + Mr βr − Msβs + Bβω ,
vector consisting of translational and rotational (4)

Copyright © 2006 Praise Worthy Prize - All rights reserved International Review of Mechanical Engineering, Vol. xx, n. x
 Gabor M. Vörös

where N represents the axial force acting at the centroid, respectively, 2ui denotes the total displacement and 2R
Vr and Vs are the shear forces acting at the shear centre, represents the external virtual work done by the body
Mr and Ms are the bending moments with respect to r force 2qi and the surface traction 2pi occurring at C2. The
and s principal axes, T is the total torsional moment notation adopted here is the same as those used by
with respect to the shear centre and B is the bimoment Bathe at al. in Ref. [11]. Thus, the left superscript
(see Fig. 2). Additionally, MP is the stress resultant indicates in which configuration the quantity occurs
known as the Wagner coefficient. The geometric while all variables are referred to the known
properties of the cross-section in the specified system configuration C1. To derive the incremental form of
are defined in the following way: principle (7), stress, external loads and displacement
can be decomposed as
∫
Ir = s2 dA , ∫
Is = r2 dA , ∫ϕ
2
Iω = dA ,
2
A A A Sij = 1 τij + Sij , 2 q i = 1 qi + qi , 2 pi = 1 pi + pi ,
 ∂ϕ ∂ϕ  2
u i = 1 u i + u i = 1 u i + Ui + U*i ,
J = Ir + Is −  s − r  dA , ∫ (8)

I + I
A
∂r ∂s 
1 (5)
2
( )
δ u i = δu i = δ Ui + U i , *
( )
∫
2
ipS = r s + yCS2 + zCS2 , βr = s(r2 + s2 ) dA− 2zCS ,
A Ir A
where 1τij is the known Cauchy stress tensor at
1 1
∫ ∫ configuration C1, U and U* are the (3a-b) incremental
2 2
βs = r(r + s ) dA− 2yCS , βω = ϕ(r2 + s2 ) dA.
Is A Iω A displacements measured from configuration C1 due to
the first and second order effects of the beam rotational
When the shear deformation effects are not parameters respectively. No left superscript represents
considered, the Euler-Bernoulli and the Vlasov the incremental variables. Substituting incremental
constraints are adopted as: displacements into the definition of Green-Lagrange
strain and neglecting the higher order terms than the
dw dv third order, the variation of incremental strain can be
β=− = −w ′ , γ = = v′, expressed as
dx dx
. (6)
dα
ϑ( x,t ) =
dx
= α′
δ ( ε ) = δ 12 ( u
2
ij i ,j ) (
+ u j,i + u k ,i u k , j ≈ δ eij + ηij + e*ij , (9) )
τxs where
τxr
σx 1
( 1
)
γ
s s Vs eij = Ui , j + U j,i , ηi,j = U k ,i U k , j ,
w S β 2 2 (10)
( )
S 1
zCS
v Ms Vr e*ij = U*i , j + U*j,i .
α u 2
T
C r C r
x yCS x Mr The subscript “comma” indicates the partial
N differentiation with respect to the spatial coordinates of
configuration C1. As the incremental stress can be
Fig.2. Local displacement parameters and stress resultants
related to the incremental strain by the linear
constitutive (Hooke) law, we may introduce the
II.2. Incremental description following assumption:
In incremental analysis, it is necessary to divide a
deformation path into a number of small steps or Sij δ ( ε ) = S δ (ε ) ≈
2
ij ij ij
1
( )
Cijmn e mn δ eij . (11)
increments. Along this path configuration C1 represents
the last calculated equilibrium state and C2 a Substituting Eqs. (8)-(10) into (7), the incremental
neighbouring or desired state. Using the updated principle now can be written as
( )
Lagrangian formulation, the principle of virtual work
∫ ∫
1
for a general continuum is expressed as Cijmn e mn δeij d 1V + 1
τij δ e*ij + ηij d 1V
1 1
V V

∫ ∫
1
− q i δU*i d 1V − 1
pi δU*i d 1 A
∫
2
Sij δ ( ε ) d V= R
2
ij
1 2
1
V 1
A
1
V
δ( u ) d V + ∫ ( u)
(7) − ∫ (
qi δ Ui + U*i ) ∫ pi δ ( U i + U i ) d A
d 1V − * 1

∫
2 2 1 2 2
= qi i pi δ i d 1A , 1 1
V A

∫ d 1V + ∫ 1 pi δUi d 1 A − ∫ 1 τij δeij d 1V .

1 1 1
V A = q i δUi
1 1 1
V A V
where 2Sij and 2εij are the Cartesian components of the (12)
second Piola-Kirchhoff stress tensor and the Green-
Lagrange strain tensor measured with respect to C1,

Copyright © 2006 Praise Worthy Prize - All rights reserved International Review of Mechanical Engineering, Vol. xx, n. x
 Gabor M. Vörös

1
The equilibrium condition of initial stress, body and τ13 = τxs and with the (4) definition of internal forces
surface forces in configuration C1 can be expressed as and neglecting the square of derivative of axial
displacement u in the first term, we obtain:

∫ ( ) d V= R
1
τij δ 1 eij 1 1
L

∫ ( )
1 1 
V ΠG = N v ′ 2 + w ′2 + M P α ′ 2
= ∫ q δ( u ) d V + ∫ p δ( u ) d
1
i
1
i
1 1
i
1
i
1
A, (13) 20
1
V 1
A + ( M r − z CS N ) ( v′′α − v′α ′ ) + ( M s + yCS N ) ( w ′′α − w ′α ′ )
δ ( u ) = δU , δ ( e ) = δe .
1
i i
1
ij ij + Vr ( w ′α − 2u ′v′ ) − Vs ( v′α + 2u ′w ′ ) + T ( v′′w ′ − v′w ′′ )  dx .
(17)
If deformation-independent loads are considered only Considering initial distributed line loads fx, fy and fz
and by subtracting Eq. (13) from Eq. (12), the final acting at the arbitrary point P in the cross-section as it is
form of the linearized (quadratized) virtual work signed on Fig.1, the corresponding term of (14b) is
principle for the structure subjected to 1τij initial stress is expressed as
L
expressed as 1
ΠGe = − ∫
1
pi U*i d A = − ∫f x ( − ySP w ′ + zSP v′) α
2 0
( ( )
A
 1
δ  ∫ 1 Cijmn e mn eij d 1V + ∫ 1 τijηij d 1V )
− f y ySP v′2 + α 2 + zSP v′w ′ (18a)
−f ( y v′w ′ + z ( w ′ + α ) )  dx .
 1 V 2 1
V 2 2
 z SP SP 
+∫ 1
τije*ij d V−∫
1 1
q i U*i d V− 1
∫
1
pi U*i 1
d A − R  = 0,

1
V 1
V 1
A Also, considering initial forces Fx, Fy and Fz acting at
(14a) point of (ySP, zSP) in the i-th nodal section, the additive
or in short potential due to these eccentric forces is
δ Π L + Π G1 + Π G 2 + Π Ge − R  = 0 , (14b)
1
Π Ge = −  Fx ( ySP β + zSP γ ) α
2
( ))
where the first term ΠL represents the increment of
conventional elastic strain energy, the sum of the terms + Fy zSP βγ − ySP γ 2 + α 2 ( (18b)
ΠG1, ΠG2 and ΠGe represents the change in potential
energy due to initial stresses and the second order
+ F (y
z SP βγ − zSP (β 2
+ α2 )) i
.
effects of eccentric initial loads, while R is the external
work of load increments on incremental displacement. At this point we may introduce a new displacement
For time dependent dynamic problems, the body force parameter, the overall average of (3a) linear axial
increment in (8) is the inertia force and the appropriate displacement as:
external work term in (12) and (14b) can be written in
the following form 1
A A∫
u= U x dA , u = u − v′ yCS − w ′ z CS . (19)

∫ qi δ ( Ui + U*i )d ∫ ρ U i δ ( Ui )
1 1
δR = V≈ d V . (15)
1 1
V V
Using this transformation, the new form of (16), (17) ΠL
Substituting the displacement expressions (3a) and and ΠG are:
(3b), strain displacement relations (10) and internal
constraints (6) into (14a), noting the definition of stress L
1 
EAu′2 + EIr w′′2 + EIs v′′2 + EIωα′′2 + GJα′2  d x , (20)
2 ∫0 
resultants (4) and integrating over the cross-section, the ΠL =

ΠL term in (14b) can be expressed as:

L
1 1
∫ ( )
1 
ΠL =
2V ∫
Cijmn e mn eij dV ΠG =
20
N v ′2 + w ′2 + M P α ′2
L
1 
EA ( u ′+yCS v′′ + zCS w ′′ )
2 + ( M r − z CS N ) ( v′′α − v′α ′ )
=
20 
 ∫ (16)
(21)
+ ( M s + yCS N ) ( w ′′α − w ′α ′ )
+ EI r w ′′2 + EIs v′′2 + EIω α ′′2 + GJα ′2  d x , + Vr w ′α − Vs v′α + T ( v′′w ′ − v′w ′′ )

− 2 ( Vr v′ + Vs w ′ )( u − v′yCS − w ′z CS )  d x .
where E and G are the components of 1Cijmn and denote
the elastic and shear moduli of isotropic material,
respectively. For ΠG1 and ΠG2 in Eq. (14b) with non The underlined parts in this equation are the axial
zero initial stress componenets 1τ11 = σx, 1τ12 = τxr and displacement related energy terms. Apart from this, Eq.

Copyright © 2006 Praise Worthy Prize - All rights reserved International Review of Mechanical Engineering, Vol. xx, n. x
 Gabor M. Vörös
(21) is identical to those published by Kim S.B. and
Kim M.Y. in Refs. [10] and [12]. The governing
differential equations of motion can be obtained by
variation of the energy functional (14b) with respect to
the four independent displacement parameters u, v, w
and α.
II.3. Finite element model
The derivation of element matrices is based on the
assumed displacement field. The US element vector of
14 local displacement parameters in local (S) system is
defined as
T
∆S = [ u, v, w, α, β, γ ,ϑ] , US = ∆1S ,∆S2 
T
. (22)
 
A linear interpolation is adopted for the axial
displacement and a cubic Hermitian function for the
lateral deflections and the twist:
u ( ξ ) = u1 (1 − ξ) + u 2 ξ ,
v ( ξ ) = v1F1 + γ1 L F2 + v 2 F3 + γ 2 L F4 ,
(23)
w ( ξ ) = w1F1 − β1 L F2 + w 2 F3 − β2 L F4 ,
α ( ξ ) = α1F1 + ϑ1 L F2 + α 2 N3 + ϑ2 L N 4 ,
where:
2 3 2 3
F1 = 1 − 3ξ + 2ξ , F2 = ξ − 2ξ + ξ ,
x
F3 = 3ξ 2 − 2ξ 3 , F4 = ξ 3 − ξ 2 , ξ = .
L
Substituting the shape functions into Eqs. (15), (18a-b),
(20), (21), and integrating along the element length L,
Eq. (14b) is obtained as
∑ δUST {( k L + k G + k Ge ) US + m U S − f } = 0 ,
(24)
e ∆S = 0
where kL, kG, kGe , m and f are the element linear
stiffness, geometric stiffness, load stiffness, mass and
nodal load matrices in local (S) system, respectively.
The assemblage of the element matrices for the entire
structure leads to the (1) matrix equation of motion for
the beam structure. For a linear static problem with zero
initial stress state the (kG + kGe) geometric stiffness is
zero in Eq. (24), and the displacement increment
becomes the total displacement. For linear stability
analysis, at a critical load level it is assumed that there
are possible displacement increments without load
increments.
In this study it is assumed that the Mr and Ms initial
bending moments in Eq. (4) are linearly varying along
the beam element length, while the other internal force
components are uniform. The exactly integrated 14x14
element linear stiffness and geometric stiffness matrices
based on the (23) assumed displacements and in case of
Copyright © 2006 Praise Worthy Prize - All rights reserved
neglecting the axial displacement effects - the
underlined terms in Eq. (21) - are presented in the
Appendix.
III. Stiffener transformation
The element matrices detailed so far are specified in
the local system of coordinates of the beam. The
transformation of element matrices between the systems
x, r, s and X, Y, Z consists of two steps: transform local
displacement parameters into node N and rotate into the
global system of X, Y, and Z (see Fig. 1).
Coupling of the structural components and
composition of the system matrices of the entire
structure are based on the fact that the transformed
motion parameters (specific degrees of freedoms) of
connecting nodes are identical. This condition ensures
the required displacement continuity along connecting
surfaces, between connecting components. When
coupling two beam elements, continuity of
displacements is required along the cross-sections. The
displacements of nodal point N, with the co-ordinates r
= -yNC and s = -zNC (see Fig. 1) in the plane of the cross-
section on the basis of linear displacement vector (3a)
and transformation (19) will be as follows:
u x = u − βy NC + γz NC + ϑϕ N ,
u y = v + α ( z NC + z CS ) ,
(25)
u z = w − α ( y NC + yCS ) ,
Θx = α , Θ y = β , Θz = γ ,
From the above and Eq. (22), the transformation matrix
between the local (S) and nodal (N) parameters of a
cross-section can be specified as:
1 0 0 0 zNC −yNC −ϕN 
0 0 
1 0 −(zNC + zCS ) 0 0
0 0 1 (yNC + yCS ) 0 0 0  N
0 0 1 0 0 0  ∆ , (26)
0 0 0 0 1 0 0 

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 
0 0 0 0 0 0 1 
T
where ∆ N =  u x , u y , u z , Θ x , Θ y , Θ z , ϑ is the matrix
of nodal local displacements and φN is the value of
torsional warping function in the node. If a beam
element is connected to another – beam, plate, or shell –
component along its mantle as well, then the continuity
of displacements must also be ensured along a
connecting line parallel with its axis. During torsion,
while the cross-section turns around point S by an angle
α, the originally straight line in the direction of axis x
and crossing points N assumes a spiral shape. The
rotation arising there is proportional with the distance
between points S and N. Using the notations of Fig. 3,
the vector of spiral rotation can be described as
International Review of Mechanical Engineering, Vol. xx, n. x
 Gabor M. Vörös

on relative stiffness conditions. Nevertheless, initial

 0  internal forces are known, whose eccentric attack-point
dα
φ= − R SN = ϑ ( R NC + R CS ) = ϑ  y NC + yCS  . P is always along the contact line of the stiffener and
dx  z NC + z CS  the plate/shell cover. Hereinafter the contact point
should be the node N and using the notation in Fig 1, N
Supplementing rotations in Eq. (25) by this: = P, therefore the eccentricities in Eqs. (18a-b) are

Θx = α , ySP = ySN = − ( y NC + yCS ) ,

(28)
Θ y = β + (y NC + yCS )ϑ , zSP = zSN = − ( z NC + z CS ) ,
Θ z = γ + (z NC + z CS )ϑ ,
and the eccentric fx, fy, and fz line loads can be
from which the modified nodal matrix of the inverse calculated directly from the equilibrium conditions of
relation and of the transformation between the the stiffener initial state.
displacement parameters, that is, the matrix connecting There is a simpler way to calculate the stiffener load
the stiffening component can be described as: stiffness, if the cubic elements are used to calculate the
initial stress state of the system. It follows from the
1 0 0 0 z NC − y NC M17  shape functions (23) that the normal and shear forces
0 1 0 − M 24 0 0 0  are uniform in a straight beam element but different
0 0 1 M 34 0 0 0  from element to element. Equivalent external forces
∆S =  0 0 0 1 0 0 0  ∆N , acting at the two end nodes of an element can replace
0 0 0 0 1 0 −M 34 
0 this simple internal force distribution:
0 0 0 0 1 − M 24 
0 0 0 0 0 0 1 

Fx1 = − N , Fy1 = − Vr , Fz1 = − Vs ,
M17 = y NC zCS − z NC yCS − ϕ N , (27) (29)
Fx 2 = + N , Fy2 = + Vr , Fz2 = + Vs .
M 24 = (z NC + z CS ) , M 34 = (y NC + yCS ) .
With these beam element end loads and (28)
A difference between transformations (26) and (27) can eccentricities in Eq. (18b), the additive stiffness due to
only be depicted in column 7. These members link the off axis stiffener loads acting along the joint line is
axial – tensile and bending – motions with the warping expressed as
parameter. The usual transformation describing a
fictitious rigid coupling does not include any effects
arising from the torsion of the cross-section and
1
( )
Π Ge = −  α12 − α 22 ( Vr ySN + Vs zSN )
2
torsional warping. As regards transformations, a
definite difference should be made between beam-to-
( ) ( )
+ β12 − β22 Vs zSN + γ12 − γ 22 Vr ySN (30)
− ( α1β1 − α 2β2 ) NySN − ( α1γ1 − α 2 γ 2 ) NzSN
beam couplings in beam structures when (26) can be
− ( β1γ1 − β2 γ 2 ) ( Vr zSN + Vs ySN )  ,
applied, and stiffening element coupling, for which only
(27) is suitable. In this form, transformation (27) can be
used for any other beam finite elements with seven from which the kGe coefficients can be derived in a
degrees of freedom per node, regardless of the number simple way.
of element nodes, or the beam theory applied.
x IV. Numerical examples
In order to demonstrate the accuracy and the
practical usefulness of the proposed beam element and
N φ stiffener transformation three examples are discussed in
C this section.
RSN
r
S IV.1. Lateral-torsion buckling of a beam
α s The first example considers a single beam with
uniform line load as it is shown in Fig 4.
Fig.3. Joint line rotation

The calculation of kGe load stiffness matrix of the f

stiffener element requires some remarks. The stiffener
load is not known directly as the proportion of the total L
external (initial) load on the stiffening element depends Fig.4. Example 1.

Copyright © 2006 Praise Worthy Prize - All rights reserved International Review of Mechanical Engineering, Vol. xx, n. x
 Gabor M. Vörös

The eccentric load is applied along points N at the element of Bathe and Dvorkin [8] - known as MITC4 -
upper flange (see Fig. 5a). The length of the beam is L = with a plane-stress membrane element where the
6000 (mm) and the support conditions at the two hinged contribution of drilling degrees of freedom was taken
end nodes are as follows: x = 0, ux = uy = uz= 0, Θx = 0, into account as it was proposed by Cook [9].
and x = L, uy = uz= 0, Θx = 0, and the material
properties are: E = 2,0 105 MPa, ν = 0,3, ρ = 8,0 10-9 B z, s1, s2 A1 = 1600 mm2
Ir1 = 8,533 103 mm4
Nsec2/mm4. N, P, C1, S1 Is1 = 5,333 106 mm4
y, r1
For comparison, the critical (buckling) value of the J1 = 3,327 104 mm4
maximum bending moment that is related to the load
can be written in a compact form as follows: A2 =3872 mm2
224
Ir2 = 4,906 107 mm4
C2 r2 Is2 = 2,264 106 mm4
π  EI π2  J2 = 8,259 104 mm4
M cr = C1 E Is G J  δ ± 1 + ω 2 + δ 2  , 118 βr2 = +276,5 mm
L  GJL  S2 zNC2 = -224,0 mm
  (31) zCS2 = -118,0 mm
π EIs  βr  f cr L2
δ= −  C z + C , M = .
2 
2 SP 3 cr Fig. 5b. Example 1, section model B, section properties
L GJ  8
Table I. shows the results of buckling load
This relationship is identical to that used in Ref. [13], determined by various divisions Nx. The results of
where the coefficients Ci depend on the load and section models A and B are only slightly different.
support conditions of the beam. In this specific Besides the usual thin walled approximations of cross-
problem: C1 =1,132, C2 = 0,459, C3 = 0,525. sectional characteristics, this can be caused by the fact
Calculations were performed according to the three that, taken strictly, the contact line is on the surface of
different cross-section models: the upper beam and not in point N. This 4 mm
A: The cross-section is a mono-symmetric I profile and difference may bring about such an error. There is a
the beam elements are connected with the “rigid lever larger difference in the results of the mixed section
arm” transformation in the form of (26). The section model C, which may also be caused by the different
dimensions and properties are summarised in Fig. 5a. In modelling (beam, plate) of the lower and upper flange
this case the external load stiffness is calculated from plates. In this latter case, the bad aspect ratio of the
Eq. (18a). plate elements further deteriorates the accuracy in case
of smaller division numbers Nx.
A z, s
200
A = 5472 mm2 TABLE I.
8 N, P Ir = 1,059 108 mm4 EXAMPLE 1. COMPARISON OF BUCKLING LINE LOAD
y
Is = 7,598 106 mm4 fcr (N/mm)
101,6 J = 1,176 105 mm4 Section Nx = 4 Nx = 8 Nx = 16 Eq. (31)
S Iω = 1,850 1011 mm6
56,9 A +21,83 +21,33 +21,21 +21,2
334 C r βr = -128,3 mm -25,30 -24,07 -23,79 -23,8
8 zNC = -158,5 mm
B +22,41 +21,43 +21,20
zCS = +56,9 mm
-24,47 -23,84 -23,69
8 zSP = +101,6 C +30,24 +23,70 +22,05
150 -27,33 -24,79 -24,00

Fig. 5a. Example 1, section model A, section properties

IV.2. Free vibration of a beam
B: The cross-section consists of a T shaped and a flat
The beam of previous example as it is shown in Fig.
rectangular profile connected by stiffening component
4. was analysed to study the variation of natural
transformation (27) along the N nodal joint line, as it is
frequencies with applied steady state line load. Here the
shown in Fig 5b. Now, the load stiffness of the lower T
beam was divided into Nx = 16 finite elements along x-
section is calculated from the partial stiffener loads as it
axis.
was described in connection with Eq. (30). TABLE II.
C: As the previous one, but the upper flange of the EXAMPLE 2. NATURAL FREQUENCIES IN Hz
section was divided into four-noded plane shell f = 0 (N/mm)
elements. The number of elements is two crosswise and Section ω1 ω2 ω3 ω4
Nx along the beam axis. The remaining T section (see A 7,688 12,80 29,11 30,06
B 7,689 12,77 29,14 30,00
Fig 5b) and the shell components were connected along C 7,719 12,73 29,13 29,98
the joint line by transformation (27). In the numerical
analysis, the flat plate parts are modelled with four-
The Table II. shows the first four frequencies with
noded thick shell elements. The flat shell element was
zero loads. The first three modes are coupled lateral (y
derived by combining a quadrilateral Mindlin plate
direction) bending-torsion modes with one or two half-

Copyright © 2006 Praise Worthy Prize - All rights reserved International Review of Mechanical Engineering, Vol. xx, n. x
 Gabor M. Vörös

wave length and the fourth mode is the vertical (z beams free. The material properties are: E = 2,0 105
direction) pure bending mode. It can be observed that MPa, ν = 0,3, ρ = 8,0 10-9 Nsec2/mm4.
the results of different section models are practically the
same. z, s
t y t = 6 mm
hw = 350 mm
20 N tw = 6 mm
(Hz) hf = 100 mm
tf = 8 mm
hw C r A = 2900 mm2
ω1 ω2 tw Ir = 4,00 107 mm4
10
T Is = 6,73 105 mm4
J = 4,23 104 mm4
tf βr = 298 mm
hf zNC = -224,4 mm
f(N/mm) zCT = -129,6 mm
0
-25 -15 -5 5 15 25 Fig 8.Example 3, stiffener section

Fig. 6. Example 2, variation of first two modes with line load

pcr = 63,46 kPa

The variation of frequencies with applied steady
state line load in the firs two coupled bending – torsion
79 81 83 85 87 89 91
modes for section model B are shown in Fig. 6.

IV.3. Stiffened plate

79 81 83 85 87 89 91

In the following, application possibilities of the beam

pcr = -51,42 kPa
element and stiffener coupling are presented through the
examination of the stiffened plate structure shown in
Figures 7 and 8. The plate is loaded by a vertical (z
direction) uniform p pressure. A possible way of
buckling is that the relatively high stiffener ribs turn out Fig 9. Example 3. Θx torsional buckling mode of central stiffener
about its line of attachment to the plate. (normal mode shape)

By solving the eigen value problem, the results

y
600
1800
x stiffening beam as well. If the load is negative, p points
6000
Fig 7. Example 3, stiffened panel, dimensions in mm.
The issue of the tripping of a single stiffener element
was studied by Yuren Hu et al. [14]. They specified a
solution for the Vlasov differential equation formulated
for the function of rod torsion by approximation using a
trigonometric function series. According to their
calculations, the critical load in the positive z direction
is f = 35,65 N/mm or p = fb = 59,42 kPa, with b = 600
mm. They did not published any results for critical load
in the opposite, negative direction.
More accurate results can be expected by applying
the stiffened plate model. The t = 6 mm thick plate was
divided into 12x12 plate elements and the stiffeners into
3x12 beam elements. Support conditions along the
perimeter of the plate are as follows: along sides x = 0,
and 6000: ux = uy = uz= 0, Θx = Θz = 0, and along sides
y = 0 and 1800: ux = uy = 0, Θz = 0. Besides, the
ϑ seventh degree of freedom at the ends of stiffening
shown in Figure 9 were yielded for critical load p from
the lowest positive and negative eigen values. The
figure shows the tripping (torsion) of the middle
downwards, the stiffening beam is stressed by tension
and bending, and the buckled shape will be a half wave.
For loads pointing upwards, the beam internal forces are
compression and bending and the value of the critical
load as well as the torsion of the beam in the form of
two half waves show good agreement with the beam
model results of Yuren Hu [14].
In the following, we are going to study connections
between surface pressure as a dead load and vibrating
mode shapes and frequencies. The seventh degree of
freedom at the ends of stiffening beams is free.
TABLE III.
EXAMPLE 3. NATURAL FREQUENCIES IN Hz, p = 0.
ω1 ω2 ω3 ω4
15,01 16,69 22,28 24,54
Table III. shows the value of the first four
frequencies with zero surface pressure. The sequence of
the mode shapes of the middle stiffening rod are: a half
wave torsional oscillation (t1), a vertical bending (bz1),
two half-wave torsion (t2), and bending (bz2) ones.

Copyright © 2006 Praise Worthy Prize - All rights reserved International Review of Mechanical Engineering, Vol. xx, n. x
 Gabor M. Vörös

Figure 10 shows the change of frequencies and

mode shapes of the middle stiffening rod. If the load is Appendix
increased in the negative direction, the lowest frequency Appendix 1. Linear stiffness matrix kL:
will be decreased, but the sequence according to the
type of mode shapes will not change. For loads in the
 a 0 0 0 0 0 0 −a 0 0 0 0 0 0 
opposite direction, changes will be more considerable.  b 0 0 0 c 0 0 −b 0 0 0 c 0 
The sequence of mode shapes will be t2, bz2, t1, and  d 0 −e 0 0 0 0 −d 0 −e 0 0 
bz1 after several changes, near the critical load;  f 0 0 g 0 0 0 −f 0 0 g 
however, this change is not continuous. Some of the  2h 0 0 0 0 e 0 h 0 0 
 2i 0 0 −c 0 0 0 i 0 
frequencies are reduced and the rest are increased by  j 0 0 0 −g 0 0 k 
changing the load; furthermore, the nature and shape of  a 0 0 0 0 0 0
modes change in the order of frequencies. Before  b 0 0 0 −c 0 
reaching the critical load in the positive direction, there  d 0 e 0 0
are several points of intersection on the right side of  f 0 0 −g 
 2h 0 0 
Figure 10, there can be many different mode shapes at 
nearly identical frequency values, which refers to the  2i 0 
 j
“instability” of the state preceding the loss of stability.
The effect of dead loads can considerably modify the EA 12EIs 6EI 12EI r
a= , b= , c = 2s , d = ,
results of dynamic calculations. L L3 L L3
2EI r 2EIs 6EI
h= , i= , e = 2r ,
30 t1 L L L
Hz bz1
t2 6GJ 12EIω GJ 6EIω
bz2 f= + , g= + 2 ,
20 5L L3 10 L
2GJL 4EIω GJL 2EIω
j= + , k= − + .
10 15 L 30 L
p (kPa)
0
Appendix 2. Geometric stiffness matrix: kG:
-60 -10 40
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
 a 0 eR 0 b fR 0 −a 0 −eR 0 b gR 
 a eS − b 0 fS 0 0 −a − eS − b 0 gS 
Fig 10. Example 3. Frequency-dead load relation of stiffened plate.  e P − fS f R fP 0 − e R − eS −e P −gS g R gP 
 4c 0 hS 0 0 b fS −c 0 iS 
 4c hR 0 −b 0 −f R 0 − c −i R 
 0 −f R −fS − f P iS −i R −i P 
V. Conclusion 
hP
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

 a 0 eR 0 − b −g R 
In this study a new finite element coupling method a eS b 0 −gS 

was presented for the analysis of stiffened plates. It has  eP g S −g R −g P 
been demonstrated that the study of the restrained  4c 0 − jS 
 4c jR 
torsion generated in the stiffeners involves two  jP 
important points. One of them is the proper modelling
of the constrained torsion and eccentric properties of the P = N i 2pS / A + M r βr + M s βs + B βω = P1 (1 − ξ) + P2 ξ
beam element, and the other is the problem of coupling
the stiffening and stiffened components. Usual R = −M r + N z CS = R1 (1 − ξ) + R 2 ξ
transformations describing a fictitious rigid coupling do
S = − Ms − N yCS = S1 (1 − ξ) + S2 ξ
not include any effects arising from the torsion of the
cross-section and torsional warping. 6N 0 N0 N0 L P
Numerical results have been compared with a= , b= , c= , fP = 2 ,
5L 10 30 10
analytical results. The proposed model appears to be P1 3(P1 + P2 ) (3P1 + P2 )L
efficient for the linear static, dynamic and buckling gP = , eP = , hP = ,
analysis of stiffened panels. 10 5L 30
(P + P )L (P + 3P2 )L
i P = 1 2 , jP = 1 .
60 30
eR, fR, ...jR and eS, fS, ...jS are obtained by replacing
P → R and P → S .

Copyright © 2006 Praise Worthy Prize - All rights reserved International Review of Mechanical Engineering, Vol. xx, n. x
 Gabor M. Vörös

m m  References
Appendix 3. Mass matrix: m = ρAL  T1 12  ,
m12 m 2  [1] J. Jirousek, A family of variable section curved beam and thick
shell or membrane stiffening isoparametric elements.
m1 = International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering,
 2a 0 0 0 0 0 0  Vol. 17, pp. 171-86, 1981.
 b 2  [2] M. Barik, M. Mukhopadhyay, A new stiffened plate element for
 0 + ki 2 0 b z CS 0 f + mis f z CS 
s the analysis of arbitrary plates, Thin-Walled Structures Vol. 40,
 b −f  pp. 625-639, 2002.
0 2 − b y CS 2 0 f yCS  [3] A. Samanta, M. Mukhopadhyay, Free vibration analysis of
 + ki r −mi r  stiffened shells by finite element technique, European Journal
 b i 2pS 2
f i pS  of Mechanics, A/Solids Vol. 23, pp. 159-179, 2004.
0 4
−f yCS f z CS 4 
+ kiω + miω [4] A.K.L. Srivastava, P.K. Datta, A.H. Sheikh, Buckling and
 h  vibration of stiffened plates subject to partial edge loadings,
0 2 0 h yCS  International Journal for Mechanical Sciences Vol. 45, pp. 73-
 +4ei r  93, 2003.
0 h
h z CS  [5] S.N. Patel, P.K. Datta, A.H. Seikh, Buckling and dynamic
 +4eis2 instability analysis of stiffened shell panels. Thin-Walled
 h i 2pS  Structures Vol. 44, pp. 321-333, 2006.
0 [6] V.Z. Vlasov, Thin-walled elastic beams (National Science
 +4eiω4  Foundation, Washington 1961.)
[7] G.M. Vörös, A special purpose element for shell-beam systems.
m2 = Computers and Structures Vol. 29(2), pp. 301-308, 1988.
 2a 0 0 0 0 0 0  [8] K.J. Bathe, E.H. Dvorkin. A four node plate bending element
 b −f  based on Mindlin/Reissner plate theory and mixed
 0 + ki 2 0 b z CS 0 −f z CS 
s −mis2 interpolation, International Journal for Numerical Methods in
 b f  Engineering, Vol. 21, pp. 367-383, 1985.
0 − b yCS 0 −f yCS  [9] R.D. Cook. On the Allman triangle and related quadrilateral
 + ki 2r + mi r2  element. Computers and Structures, Vol. 22, pp. 1065-1067,
2 2
 bi pS −f i pS  1986.
 0 f yCS −f z CS 4  [10] M.Y. Kim, S.P. Chang, H.G. Park,. Spatial postbuckling analysis
+ kiω4 − miω
 h  of nonsymmetric thin-walled frames. I: Theoretical
0 0 h yCS  considerations based on semitangential property. J. Engineering
 +4ei 2r  Mechanics (ASCE), Vol. 127(8), pp. 769-778, 2001.
0 h
h z CT 
[11] K.J. Bathe, E. Ramm, E.L. Wilson, Finite element formulations
 +4eis2 for large deformation dynamic analysis. International Journal
 hi 2pS  for Numerical Methods in Engineering, Vol. 9, pp. 353-386,
0 1985.
 +4eiω4  [12] S.B. Kim, M.Y. Kim, Improved formulation for spatial stability
and free vibrations of thin-walled tapered beams and space
m12 = frames. Engineering Structures, Vol. 22, pp. 446-458, 2000.
a 0 0 0 0 0 0  [13] F. Mohri, A. Brouki, J.C. Roth, Theoretical and numerical
 c −g  stability analyses of unrestrained, mono-symmetric thin-walled
 0 −k i 2 0 c zCS 0 2 −g zCS  beams. J. Construct. Steel Research, Vol. 59, pp. 63-90, 2003.
s + m i s
 c g  [14] Yuren Hu, Bozen Chen, Jiulong Sun. Tripping of thin-walled
0 0 2 − c y 2 0 −g yCS  stiffeners in the axially compressed stiffened panel with lateral
 −k i r CS
− j ir  pressure, Thin-Walled Structures, Vol. 37, pp. 1-26, 2000.
2 2
 c i pS −g i pS 
 0 c z − c y g y − g z
+ m iω4 
CT CT CS CS
−k iω4
 −g  Authors’ information
0 0 2 −g yCS − j − e i r2 0 − j yCS 
 +m ir  The author’s place and date of birth:
0 g −j
− j zCS 
Szombathely, Hungary, May. 08. 1947. Basic
 −m is2 0 g zCS 0
−e is2 qualification: M.Sc. in Mechanical
 2 2  Engineering from Technical University of
0 g zCS g yCS g i p 4 − j yCS − j zCS − j i pS  Miskolc, Hungary.
 −m i ω −e iω4  His present position: Associate Professor,
Department of Applied Mechanics, Budapest
1 13 9 1 University of Technology and Economics.
a= , b= , c= , e= , Highest scientific degrees: PhD, Dr.habil.
6 35 70 30
2 in Engineering Sciences.
11L 13L L L2
f= , g= , h= , j= , Dr. Vörös personal home page: http://www.mm.bme.hu/~voros
210 420 105 140 E-mail address: voros@mm.bme.hu
6 1
k= 2, m= .
5L 10L
I I I
i 2r = r , is2 = s , i ω4 = ω ,
A A A
2 2 2 2 2
i pS = i r + is + yCS + z CS .

Copyright © 2006 Praise Worthy Prize - All rights reserved International Review of Mechanical Engineering, Vol. xx, n. x

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