THE SEMI-ENERGY AND THE LOWER-BOUND METHODS TO THE POSTBUCKLING OF PLATE

This paper gives details of theoretical investigations into the post-b uckling behaviour of uniformly compressed rectangular plates. The theo retical elastic buckling analysis employs an approximate approach usin g a combination of the Rayleigh-Ritz and the finite strip methods. In this an approximate deflected form immediately after buckling is obtai ned. In the initial post buckling analysis, two methods of approach ar e employed, namely the semi-energy method and the lower bound method. These solutions are compared with the published analytical results. Th e advantages of these methods are also discussed.