Statistics of normally distributed initial imperfections (Q1309506)

This paper offers a theoretical study on the probabilistic nature of critical loads (buckling loads) of structures subject to normally distributed initial imperfections. Explicit forms of probability density function of critical loads are derived for various types of critical points. Double bifurcation points of structures with regular-polygonal symmetry are dealt with by means of the group-theoretic bifurcation theory. The distribution of minimum values of the critical loads is investigated to present a statistical design index.