Application of Finite Element Method to the Nonconservative Problems of Elastic Stability of Thin Walled Members with Open Cross-section

The differetial equations and the corresponding mechanical boundary conditions governing the dynamic instability due to the distributed follower forces are obtained from the principle of virtual work. The finite element method is applied to stability analysis of structural systems subjected to the uniformly distributed and concentrated follower forces. In obtaining the above equations and applying the finite element method, the initial torsional moment M^O_Z is regarded as the nonconservative moment. Initial stress matrices K_<Np> and K_<Nq> due to nonconservative component of follower force are derived.