Dynamic snap-through of a laterally loaded arch under prescribed end motion

Emphasis of this paper is placed on finding out whether dynamic snap-through will occur when the laterally loaded arch is under prescribed end motion with constant speed. The first harmonic component q1sin(xi) of the lateral load is assumed to be the dominant one, while the effects of higher components such as q2sin2(xi) are also discussed in detail. It is found that dynamic snap-through may occur in either stretching or compressing process when the end speed of the loaded arch is in certain range. The dangerous zones for dynamic snap-through can be determined by comparing the energy barrier and the total energy gained by the arch when the end is moved with infinitely large speed. Generally speaking, for a specified q1 it is easier for the arch under prescribed end motion to snap dynamically if q2?0.