Stability Analysis of Thin-Walled Cold-Formed Sigma Profiles Using the Finite Strip Method

Abstract

The stability analysis of cold-formed thin-walled profiles often benefits from the effective application of the finite strip method. Among the software tools based on this method is the CUFSM program. This article provides an overview of the principles of the finite strip method and the use of the CUFSM program for conducting parametric studies. Specially, the focus is on investigating the influence of the geometry of web intermediate stiffeners in Sigma-sections on the buckling capacity of flanges with edge stiffeners during distortional buckling. The parametric studies are automated through appropriate modifications of the CUFSM program source code.