Microcomputer design analysis of plate post-buckling behaviour

Abstract

Abstract

Explicit formulae are presented for the examination of plate post-buckling behaviour. Plates with simply supported loaded ends and having simply supported, fixed, or some intermediate, elastic restraint on edge rotation are considered, and it is assumed that the unloaded edges are free to wave in their own plane. The coefficients used in the equations were derived on the basis of curve fitting to a large number of computer solutions and are applicable to any buckle half wavelength or rotational restraint condition normally found in engineering structures. These equations are sufficiently simple to provide extremely rapid predictions of plate behaviour on any small microcomputer.

Comparisons are made with some existing published results and the effects of imperfections, degree of edge rotational restraint, and buckle half wavelength are illustrated. The behaviour predicted for plates in the far post-buckling range is examined and shown in comparison with the design formula of von Karman. It is suggested that, for accurate plate design, strength and stiffness should be considered separately, and that the effects of rotational edge restraint should be taken into account in both buckling and post-buckling analysis.