Improving the energy method for calculating beams with a narrow rectangular section on the side buckling

Abstract

We propose an improved version of the energy method in calculating rectangular beams for the stability of a flat bending shape. The essence of this variant of the method is to use the principle of the minimum total energy instead of the condition for the equality of the potential strain energy and the work of external forces. This version of the method makes it easy to obtain a numerical-analytical solution for any number of members of series. The solution of the problem for a pivotally supported beam is presented taking into account the vertical displacement of the load relative to the center of gravity.