Experimental buckling path of compressed bars under displacement control

Buckling and postcritical analysis of prismatic metal bars, including complex cycles of loading are considered in the paper. The postbuckling path analysis of bars loaded in the form of increasing displacements is discussed in detail. The results of experimental research are reported as a dependence of the force P versus lateral deflection f as well as total shortening of the rod u. It is stated that only the simultaneous analysis of both methods of presentation of results comprises a complete tool for developing the column response. Particularly, the response that appears in the first, linear elastic phase of loading can be observed on P-u diagrams. The increase of the compressing force causes visible shortening of the bar without its buckling. This important phenomenon is not usually included in stability considerations of prismatic rods.