Analytical Theory for Buried Tube Postbuckling

Abstract

A simplified analytical postbuckling theory has been developed for long, circular, elastically supported tubes. The solution is an extension of linear theories which have previously been developed. Although the analysis is approximate it is found to be in good agreement with a more rigorous solution involving complete finite element analysis. The simplified solution is for both uniform and nonuniform distributions of hoop compression. It performs satisfactorily up to about twice the critical load level. It has been used to briefly examine the effect of geometrical imperfections and nonhydrostatic field stress on buried tube response.