Stability of Von-Misses Truss with Initial Random Imperfections

The paper deals with the critical and post-critical analyses of the behaviour of a von Mises planar truss subjected to a vertical static load at its top joint. Load-deflection curves are determined using the finite element method and geometrically nonlinear solution. Large displacements and large rotations of finite elements of compressed bars are the main outputs of the analysis. The geometrically nonlinear response of the von Mises planar truss is studied in dependence on initial imperfections, which are considered as deterministic and random. The bifurcation points are identified in perfectly straight and perfectly centred compression bars.