POSTBUCKLING OF SHEAR-DEFORMABLE FLAT AND CURVED PANELS UNDER COMBINED LOADING CONDITIONS

The static postbuckling of flat and doubly-curved shallow panels under the combined action of a system of uniaxial/biaxial compressive edge loads and a lateral pressure field is investigated, and the effects of transverse shear, initial geometric imperfections and tangential edge constraints upon load carrying capacity of curved panels are emphasiz ed. Comparisons of the classical and shear deformable theories are mad e and issues related to the sensitivity to the snap-through behavior a re discussed. A variety of loading systems and panel geometries are co nsidered in the numerical illustrations and pertinent conclusions rela ted to the postbuckling response are outlined.