Application of optimal control method in buckling analysis of constrained elastica problems

Validation of the methodology is first achieved by reproducing examples available in the literature. Then the effects of factors, such as the geometry of the walls and the variability in the bending stiffness of the elastica, on its buckling response are analyzed. These constrained buckling problems are investigated for the first time, while through them it is also readily shown that the presence of geometric or material nonlinearity does not introduce any essential complexity in the buckling analysis when the optimal control methodology is adopted.