Buckling Analysis Overview

• a buckling load factor (BLF). The BLF is the magnification factor by which the loads applied in a previously specified static analysis would have to be multiplied to produce the critical buckling load. First define a static analysis, in which Creo Simulate calculates the stress stiffening of your model due to the applied forces. You can then define a buckling analysis, which is used to calculate the model's elastic stiffness due to geometry and material properties. Creo Simulate uses the two solutions to calculate the BLF.

• the mode shape for each buckling mode you request

The buckling analysis uses the constraint set specified in the previous static analysis. Creo Simulate automatically calculates all predefined measures valid for a static analysis.

Creo Simulate buckling analysis is a linear eigenvalue bifurcation instability analysis as described in The Finite Element Method, Third Edition, by O.C. Zienkiewicz, pages 513–514. Large displacement or non-linear buckling investigations may produce significantly different results, depending on the type of model and loads being examined.

Look at the mode shape and BLF in results. For stress results, you should use the static analysis results. For stress results at the area of buckling, multiply the stresses from the static analysis with the buckling load factor.

See Buckling Load Factor and Optimization Studies for information on using the BLF as a limit in an optimization study.