Effects of different loading on the bifurcation of annular elastic rods: theory vs. experiments

TL;DR

This paper compares theoretical and experimental results on the bifurcation of circular elastic rods under various loads, clarifying previous controversies and introducing a novel load application with potential robotics applications.

Contribution

It provides the first experimental validation for centrally-directed loads on circular rods and clarifies the role of external constraints in bifurcation analysis.

Findings

Experimental results match theoretical predictions.

Different external constraints explain previous controversies.

Introduces a new load type for structural elements.

Abstract

The bifurcation problem of a circular Euler-Bernoulli rod subject to a uniform radial force distribution is investigated under three distinct loading conditions: (i.) hydrostatic pressure, (ii.) centrally-directed, and (iii.) dead load. Previous studies on this apparently 'familiar' structural problem have yielded controversial results, necessitating a comprehensive clarification. This study shows that results previously labelled as 'correct' or 'wrong' simply refer to different external constraints, whose presence becomes necessary only for the two latter loads, (ii.) and (iii.). Moreover, the paper presents the first experimental realization of a circular rod subjected to centrally-directed loads. The experimental findings align with the theoretical predictions and show the exploitation of a new type of load acting on a continuous structural element. The feasibility of this load is demonstrated through the use of inextensible cables and opens the way to applications in flexible robotics when cables are used for actuation.