Applicability of the Southwell Plot to the Interpretation of Test Data Obtained from Stability Studies of Elastic Column and Plate Structures

Abstract

Thomas Young derived in 1807 a formula which associated the applied load, the Euler critical load, the initial bow, and the elastic deformation under load for a column. Westergaard in 1922 used the Lagrangian law to derive Young's expression in a much wider context, and in so doing demonstrated its general validity in all linear instability problems. This relationship has great significance in the correlation of experimental data with linear theory. This was realized first by Ayrton and Perry in 1887. In 1932 Southwell independently redeveloped the technique and used it to discuss the classic column tests of von Karman. This report coordinates and extends the research made in this field during the last century and a half. It demonstrates the power and versatility of the method of expressing the given hyperbolic equation in a linear form - by change of variables - and determining the classic critical load as the slope of this line.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1971
Accession Number
AD0739967

Entities

People

  • F. L. Cundari
  • W. H. Horton
  • Wayne Johnson

Organizations

  • Stanford University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Engineered Resilient Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Aspect Ratio
  • Axial Loads
  • Contracts
  • Critical Temperature
  • Differential Equations
  • Eccentricity
  • Equations
  • Experimental Data
  • Government Procurement
  • Measurement
  • Mechanics
  • Modulus Of Elasticity
  • Shape
  • Stiffness
  • Test Equipment
  • Two Dimensional

Readers

  • Calculus or Mathematical Analysis
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Structural Dynamics.