Author(s)

S. Syngellakis

Abstract

The non-linear post-buckling behaviour of a plate of any shape and support conditions, subjected to loading parallel to its plane, can only be predicted by numerical methods. Recent developments in formulations of this problem, based on the boundary element method (BEM), are reviewed. A new procedure is proposed whereby BEM modelling is combined with domain models for the lateral deflection and the stress function yielding the membrane forces. The non- linear plate response to in-plane loading initiated by imperfections is determined incrementally with the option of increasing accuracy through iterations within each loading step. The curvature and membrane force distribution in the deformed plate is approximated through non-linear interpolation models for the deflection and stress function over domain

Keywords