Stability analysis of three-layer shear deformable partial composite columns

This paper is focused on the effect of imperfect bonding and partial composite interaction between the sub-elements of a box-type column on the critical buckling loads. The box column is modelled as a symmetric three-layer composite structure with interlayer slips at the interfaces, based on the Engesser-Timoshenko theory with uniform shear deformation assumptions. Linear shear springs or slip modulus is considered at the interfaces to model the partial interaction between the sub-elements of the structure. The minimum total potential energy principle is utilized to obtain governing equations and boundary conditions. A direct analytical solution of the original governing equations is presented for obtaining exact buckling characteristic equation of the three-layer partial composite column with different end conditions including clamped-pinned end conditions. Also, the coupled equations are recast into an efficient uncoupled form and shown that there is a strong similarity with those for the two layer element. It is shown that the obtained formulae are converted to the known Euler column formulae when the slip modulus approaches infinity (i.e. perfect bonding) and no shear deformations in the sub-elements are considered. A differential shear Engesser-Timoshenko partial composite model is also employed and critical buckling loads, obtained from an inverse solution method, are compared to examine the validity and accuracy level of the uniform shear model. Comprehensive dimensionless numerical results are presented and discussed.