Numerical analysis of diamond buckles

The "diamond" modes of collapse are studied with finite element methods. Both linear and nonlinear analyses are performed on the buckling of a cylindrical shell under axial compression. Among the postbuckling shapes of the cylindrical shell, a number of diamond modes (cost nθ; n = 0, 14, 18, 10, 24 and 28) are found to be possible. The analysis is compared to those conducted by Maewal and Nachbar, Crisfield, and Yoshida et al. Agreement is established in conceiving the deformed shape with circumferential number of 14 as the stable postbuckling mode of the cylindrical shell. The transition from the axisymmetric mode to a diamond mode of collapse is shown to be an instantaneous process triggered in the proximity of the critical state by a small perturbation of the load increment.