Open section buckling study using design of experiments and response surface methodology techniques

The buckling resistance of `C-shaped' members was studied to predict the onset of lateral buckling in the flange of the open section. Members were considered as simply supported beams. Since the load was applied to the flange, the beams experienced torsion along with the expected compression on the top flange, leading to a lateral buckling in the flange. This lateral buckling exhibited a `weakening' of the beam, reducing the beam's ability to carry additional load. The method of design of experiments (DOE) using finite element analysis model was used to screen several of the geometric parameters of the members cross-section. The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to develop algebraic functions which predicted the critical buckling load.