The power of the (classic) semi-analytical finite strip method (SAFSM), which employs a single half sine wave in the longitudinal direction, is that SAFSM can provide a signature curve of cross-section elastic buckling analysis and in doing so give insight on all elastic buckling in a section. However, in some cases – particularly for members with clamped ends – the end boundary conditions can have an important impact on the elastic local, distortional, and global buckling loads. Zhanjie Li’s PhD dissertation (completed in 2011) implemented general end boundary conditions for elastic buckling analysis in CUFSM and extended those capabilities to the constrained FSM as well. This ground breaking thesis provides significant useful background on the development of CUFSM and is recommended reading for anyone trying to understand general end boundary conditions for the finite strip method.
