Plate buckling analysis using linear and non-linear finite element methods /

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop new design charts for linear elastic buckling coefficients of rectangular flat plates with support conditions not previously found in the literature. Critical buckling coefficients were found for rectangular flat plates subjected to uniform compression with partially supported unloaded edges using the finite element method. Plates with different aspect ratios and with varying support length on the unloaded edge were analyzed. Currently there are no design charts available in the literature for plates subjected to uniform compression and with partially supported unloaded edges. An engineer will be able to use these new design charts in the design work of structures that are susceptible to instability failures. The method developed in this work was verified on problems where closed form mathematical solutions exist. A second part of this study was to investigate the effect of initial plate imperfections on the ultimate plate strength with the use of a non-linear finite element method. By using a non-linear finite element method, it is possible to model both an initial imperfection and post yield elasto-plastic conditions. Plates that are failing by a combination of buckling and yielding with initial geometric imperfections are analyzed. The results obtained from the non-linear finite element method were compared to an approximate method available in the literature.