The exact axisymmetric-postbuckling equilibrium path has been obtained by t
he use of the power series method in solving the non-linear differential eq
uations for the circular plates subjected to uniform radial compression. Th
e problem of the asymmetric-bifurcation buckling from the axisymmetric-post
buckling deformation state has been investigated according to the adjacent
equilibrium criterion (Brush and Almroth, Buckling of Bars, Plates and Chel
ls, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1975; Ziegler, Principles of Structural Stabilit
y, Blaisdell Publishing Company, 1968) and the critical loads corresponding
to the asymmetric-bifurcation point have been calculated for both simply s
upported and clamped plates. The von Karman non-linear equations in the inc
remental form have been solved by the use of the power-series expansion and
the Fourier series expansion, and the postbuckling behaviour of the circul
ar plate beyond the asymmetric-bifurcation point has been investigated. The
given results show that in advanced axisymmetric-postbuckling stage, the h
igh circumferential compressive stress can induce the circular plate to buc
kle with an asymmetric mode, and the equilibrium of the circular plate at t
he asymmetric-bifurcation point is unstable. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd.
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