Buckling of an Oscillating Rod Under Longitudinal Impact

The dynamics of a thin rod under the action of compressive force is considered. The compressive force increases abruptly and then remains constant. The compression of the rod is assumed to take place instantly throughout its length. The motion of the rod is studied, depending on the magnitude and time of action of the compressive force defined by the phase of the initial free oscillation of the rod. Only the initial stage of the process is investigated, for which the linear bending theory is valid. The friction forces are not taken into account. An essential relationship is shown to exist between the dynamics of the rod and the initial conditions determined by the phase of the bending oscillations at the instant of impact. Relatively weak impact leads to excitation of the bending oscillations. Rearrangement of harmonics develops with time under specified initial maximum deflection from a straight line and zero velocity. The fastest buckling takes place at some initial deflection with the velocity directed toward the increasing bend.