The Post-Buckling Behaviour of Simply-Supported Square Plates

Abstract

The post-buckling behaviour of flat square plates loaded along two opposite straight edges is analysed using the von Kármán equations, trigonometric series and Galerkin’s method. The unloaded edges are considered to be either free to distort in the plane of the plate or maintained straight but allowed to move bodily; all edges are simply-supported in the out-of-plane direction. The non-linear algebraic equations are solved approximately using a McLaurin’s series expansion technique which facilitates the development of explicit expressions for ultimate load, end shortening and stiffness. The effects of initial geometric imperfections are also studied and it is shown that the results for ultimate load prediction and end shortening are in good agreement with test results.