Finite-element model for creep buckling analysis of beam-type structures

This paper presents a one-dimensional finite element for creep buckling analysis of structures comprised of straight and prismatic beam members. Spatial displacements and rotations are allowed to be large while strains are assumed to be small. Material is assumed to be homogenous and isotropic. The corresponding equilibrium equations are formulated in the framework of co-rotational description, using the virtual work principle. In contrast to conventional co-rotational formulation, which is linear on element level and unable to model Wagner effect, in this paper an additional nonlinear part of stiffness matrix is evaluated and added to standard elastic stiffness. Implementation of developed numerical algorithm is demonstrated through few test problems.