BIFURCATION THEORY FOR A CIRCULAR ARCH SUBJECT TO NORMAL PRESSURE

The arches may buckle in a symmetrical snap-through mode or in an asymmetry bifurcation mode if the load reaches a certain value. Each bifurcation curve develops as pressure increases. The governing equation is derived according to the bending theory. The balance of forces provides a nonlinear equilibrium equation. Bifurcation theory near trivial solution of the equation is developed, and the buckling pressures are investigated for various spring constants and opening angles.