Buckling failure modes of one-dimensional lattice truss composite structures

To reveal compression buckling, flexural buckling and torsional buckling of one-dimensional lattice truss composite columns, parameterized finite element modelling and theoretical analyses were carried out. Global and local buckling modes of six-node lattice truss composite columns in compression were revealed by finite element modelling. The buckling styles and the critical buckling forces depend on the column length, the constraints, and the bay length. For flexural and torsional lattice truss composite columns, local buckling is the dominant failure mode. The flexural or torsional buckling moment is related to the bay length and independent of the column length. The moment decreases when the bay length gets longer. Including all these factors, theoretical models were proposed based on equivalent column theory. These models correctly predict the buckling force or moment. Imperfection analyses indicate that the lattice truss column is sensitive to imperfections when the column fails at local buckling and non-sensitive at global buckling.