Preliminary Study of Interactive Local Buckling for Aluminium Z-Section

In this study, a theoretical investigation is conducted on the local buckling resistance of aluminium Z-sections subjected to uniform compression. A method is developed based on the J2 deformation theory of plasticity (DTP) to calculate the critical buckling load within the elastic–plastic range. The deformation theory of plasticity relies on the assumption that the strain state is uniquely defined by the stress state. Consequently, it serves as a specific path-independent non-linear constitutive model. The study commences with the elastoplastic differential equation for a single compressed plate. By incorporating the boundary conditions and the interaction between plate elements, the interactive buckling load is determined. An example is provided to illustrate the incremental nature of the numerical procedure. Additionally, numerical analyses are performed to examine the impact of the strain-hardening properties of aluminium alloys on local buckling resistance. In the final stage, the theoretical results are compared with those found in existing scientific literature. This comparison serves to evaluate the accuracy of the DTP procedure.