ASME Section VIII, Division 2, Part 5 - Buckling Failure Mode (Geometric Instability)

Buckling is a failure mode which requires compressive stresses in a structure where a large increase in deformation occurs with a small in crease in load. It is a failure mode since the buckled structure can no longer support the loads. Three analysis methods are available.

Elastic Buckling

A buckling analysis is performed using elastic stress analysis without any geometric non linearities to determine prestress in the component with a minimum design factor and loading combinations.

Elastic Plastic Buckling

A buckling analysis is performed using elastic plastic stress analysis with geometric non linearities to determine prestress in the component with a minimum design factor and loading combinations.

Collapse Analysis

A collapse analysis can be performed using elastic or plastic material behavior and includes geometric imperfections where the design factor is built in to the load combinations.

Conclusion

Buckling can be a catastrophic failure mode that must be checked per the ASME code.