1

Chapter 6 Buckling of Plate Elements

1. Differential Equation of Plate Buckling, a Linear Theory

Consider an isolated Ireebody oI a plate element in the deIormed conIiguration (necessary Ior
stability problems examining equilibrium in the deIormed conIiguration, neighboring
equilibrium). The plate material is assumed to be isotropic, homogeneous and obey Hooke`s law.
The plate is assumed to be prismatic (constant thickness) and Iorces expressed per unit width oI
the plate are assumed constant.

Fig. 6-1 In-plane Iorces on plate element

Ior
x
N
2
2
0
x x
w w w
N dx dy N dy
x x x
+
+ + T=


' '

Ior
y
N
2
2
0
y y
w w w
N dy dx N dx
y y y
+
+ + T=


' '

x
y
dy
dx
y
N
w
y

w
x

w
y

w
x

x
N
y
N
x
N
xy
N
yx
N
yx
N
xy
N
t

w w
dx
x x x
+
+


' '

w w
dx
y x y
+
+


' '

w w
dy
x y x
+
+


' '

w w
dy
y y y
+
+


' '

2
Ior
xy
N
2
0
xy xy
w w w
N dx dy N dy
y x y y
+
+ + T=


' '

Ior
yx
N
2
0
yx yx
w w w
N dy dx N dx
x x y x
+
+ + T=


' '

Since
xy yx
N N = (this can be readily proved by taking the in-plane moment at a corner), it Iollows

Fig. 6-2 Bending shear

2 2 2
2 2
2
x y xy
w w w
N N N dxdy
x y x y
+
+ +


' '
(a)
y
x
Q
Q
dxdy
x y
+
+


' '
(b)
From (a) and (b), one obtains
2 2 2
2 2
2 0
y
x
x y xy
Q
Q w w w
N N N
x y x y x y

+ + + + =

(6-1)
y
Q
x
x
Q
x
x
Q
Q dx
x

y
y
y
Q
Q dy
y

3

Fig. 6-3 Moment components
It should be noted that the positive direction oI
xy
M in Fig. 6-3 is reversed Irom that given by
Timoshenko and Woinowsky-Krieger (2nd edition, McGraw-Hill, 1959).
xy yx
M M =
0
x
M =

(The condition that the sum oI moments about the x-axis must vanish yields.)
0
2
y xy y
x
y
M M Q
Q dxdydy
dydx dxdy Q dxdy dxdydy
y x x y

+ =


Neglecting the higher order terms, the above equation reduces to
0
y xy
y
M M
Q
y x

+ =

(6-2)
Similarly, moments about the y-axis leads to
0
yx
x
x
M
M
Q
x y

+ =

(6-3)
DiIIerentiating Eqs. (6-2) and (6-3) and substituting the results into Eq. (6-1), yields
x
y

y
M
yx
M
xy
M
x
M x
x
M
M dx
x

yx
yx
M
M dy
y

xy
xy
M
M dx
x

y
y
M
M dy
y

4
2 2
2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2
2 2 0
xy y
x
x y xy
M M
M w w w
N N N
x x y y x y x y


+ + + + + =

(6-4)
II one considers (at least temporarily)
x y xy
N ,N ,,3dN are known, then Eq. (6-4) contains Iour
unknowns,
x y xy
M ,M ,M ,,3dw. In order to determine these quantities uniquely, one needs
three additional relationships. These three additional equations may be obtained Irom the
geometric compatibility conditions.
Moment-Displacement Relationship
2
2
t /
x x
t /
M d o

(6-5)
2
2
t /
y y
t /
M d o

(6-6)
2
2
t /
xy xy
t /
M d t

(6-7)
and
x y
M M are positive when
)
x y
o o and z are positive. Note the in-plane shear stress,
xy
t ,
due to twisting moment,
xy
M , is positive iI it directs toward positive axis at positive z.
From Hooke`s law oI plane stress problems, it Iollows immediately
)
)
) 2 1
x x y
y y x
xy xy xy
/ E
/ E
/ G / E
1 o o
1 o o
t t

=
`

= = +

)
(6-8)
Solving Ior stresses, yields
) )
) )
) )
2
2
1
1
2 1
x x y
y y x
xy xy
E /
E /
E /
o 1 1
o 1 1
t

= +

= +
`

= +

|
)
(6-9)
From curvature-strain relationships, one obtains
5
2
2
2
2
2
2
x
y
xy
w

x
w

y
w

x y
1
1

=
`

=

)
(6-10)
Substituting the relationships presented in Eqs. (6-0) and (8.9) into Eqs. (6-5), (8.6), and (6-7)
and carrying out necessary integrals, gives
)
2 2
2 2
2 2
2 2
2
1
x
y
xy
w w
M D
x y
w w
M D
y x
w
M D
x y

+
= +


' '

+
= +
`

' '

=


)
(6-11)
where

)
3
2
12 1
Et
D

(6-12)
The value D is the Ilexural rigidity oI the plate element oI thickness tper unit width.
Substituting Eqs. (6-11) and (6-12) into Eq. (6-4), gives
4 4 4 2 2 2
4 2 2 4 2 2
2 2
x y xy
w w w w w w
D N N N
x x y y x y x y
+
+ + = + +


' '
(6-13)
or
9

1

6
,
-
x
y
x
N
4 4 4 2 2 2
4 2 2 4 2 2
2 2
x y xy
w w w w w w
D t
x x y y x y x y
o o t
+ +
+ + = + +


' ' ' '

Recall
x x y y xy xy
N t ,N t ,N t o o t = = = .
Eq. (6-13) is the diIIerential equation oI a rectangular plate element under the action oI in-plane
Iorces (linear problems).
. Critical Load of a Plate Uniformly Compressed in One Direction




Fig. 6-4 Simply supported plate subjected to uniaxial Iorce

For the problem depicted in the Fig. 6-4, 0
y xy
N N = = . The governing equation becomes
4 4
0 0
x ,xx x ,xx
D w N w 47 w N w / D ] + = ] + =
II the plate is simply supported at 0 and x x , = = (conservative assumption), then
,
0 at 0,
xx
w w x , = = =
Assume the solution to be oI a Iorm
) ) , sin with 1, 2, 3 . . .
3 3
3 x
w x y Y y 3
,
6
= =
This is a standard procedure oI separating variable to transIorm a partial diIIerential equation
into ordinary diIIerential equation, which will reduce the computational eIIorts signiIicantly.
)
3
Y y is a Iunction oI the independent variable y only.
Taking appropriate derivatives and substituting into the governing equation above, gives
7
2 4 2
2 sin 0
; x
3 3 3
N 3 3 3 3 x
Y Y Y
, , D , ,
6 6 6 6

+ + +
''
+ =
, `
' ' ' ' ' '

| | )
(6-14)
Since sin 0
3 x
,
6
Ior all values oI x, the expression inside the brace must vanish. Let
2
2 x
N ,
:
D 36
+
=

' '
, then
)
2 4
2
2 1 0
;
3 3 3
3 3
Y Y : Y
, ,
6 6 + +
''
+ =

' ' ' '
(6-15)
Assume the homogeneous solution oI Eq. (6-15) to be oI a Iorm
2y
3
Y e - = . Taking successive
derivatives, substituting back to Eq. (6-15), and solving the resulting characteristic equation,
gives
1 1 2 1 3 2 4 2
cosh sinh cos sin
3
Y c k y c k y c k y c k y = + + +
where
1 2
1 and 1
3 3
k : k :
, ,
6 6 + +
= + =

' ' ' '

Assume the rectangular plate shown in Fig. 6-5 is simply supported at / 2 x , = and elastically
restrained at / 2 y - = . Then, the deIlection corresponding to the smallest
x
N is a symmetric
Iunction oI y based on the coordinate system given. Hence,
3
Y must be an even Iunction and
2 4
0 c c = = . The deIlection surIace becomes
) )
1 1 3 2
, cosh cos cos
3 x
w x y c k y c k y
,
6
= + (6-16)

8

Fig. 6-5 Elastically restrained rectangular plate

Fig. 6-6 Elastically restrained boundary condition

The elastically restrained boundary conditions shown in Fig. 6-6 are
at / 2
y
w
M k y -
y

= =

and at / 2
y
w
M k y -
y

= + =

where
k rotational spring constant
where
)
, , y yy xx
M D w w = + and
/ 2 , y - yy
M Dw
=
= since
/ 2 ,
0 0
y - xx
w w
=
=
2 2
1 1 1 3 2 2
cosh cos
3
y c k k y c k k y
''
=
/ 2 1 1 3 2
0 cosh cos 0
2 2
y -
- -
w c k c k
=
= + = (a)
x
N
x
N
y
x
y
M
y
M
y
, w
w
y

w
y

9
2 2
1 1 1 3 2 2
2 2
1 1 1 3 2 2
cosh cos cos
2 2
sinh sin cos
2 2
y - -
y y
w - - 3 x
M k D c k k c k k
y ,
- - 3 x
k c k k c k k
,
6
6
= =
+
= =

' '
+
=

' '
(b)
2 2
1 1 1 3 2 2
2 2
1 1 1 3 2 2
cosh cos cos
2 2
sinh sin cos
2 2
y - -
y y
w - - 3 x
M k D c k k c k k
y ,
- - 3 x
k c k k c k k
,
6
6
= =
+
= =

' '
+
=

' '
(c)
It is noted that equation (c) is identical to equation (b). Let
2D
-k
8 = . Then equation (b) becomes
2 2
1 1 1 3 2 2 1 1 1 3 2 2
cosh cos sinh sin
2 2 2 2

D - - - -
c k k c k k c k k c k k
k
+ +
=

' ' ' '

2 2
1 1 1 1 1 3 2 2 2 2
sinh cosh sin cos 0
2 2 2 2 2 2
- - - - - -
c k k k k c k k k k 8 8
+ +
=

' ' ' '
(d)
Setting the coeIIicient determinant oI equations (a) and (d) Ior the constants
1
c and
3
c , yields
1 2
2 2
1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2
cosh cos
2 2
0
sinh cosh sin cos
2 2 2 2 2 2
- -
k k
- - - - - -
k k k k k k k k 8 8
=
+

)
2 2 2 1 1 2 1 2
1 2 2 1
1
cos cosh cosh sin sinh cos
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
k - k - k - k - k - k -
- k k k k 8 + = +
)
2 2 2 2 1 2
1 2 2 1
1
cos sin tanh cos
2 2 2 2 2
k - k - k - k -
- k k k k 8 + = +
)
2 2 2 1
1 2 2 1
1
tan tanh
2 2 2
k - k -
- k k k k 8 + = + ,
)
2 2 1 2
1 2 1 2
1
tanh tan 0
2 2 2
k - k -
k k - k k 8 + + =
Let , / - - = , the aspect ratio oI the rectangular plate. Then
1
1
2 2
- 3
k :
6
-
= + and
2
1
2 2
- 3
k :
6
-
=
10
1tanh 1 1tan 1 0
2 2
3 3 3
: : : : :
6 6
68
- - -
+ + +
+ + + =

' ' ' ' ' '
(e)
Equation (e) is the general buckling condition equation. II the plate is simply supported along
the boundary at / 2 y - = , then 0 k 8 = . Then, equation (e) becomes
1tan 1 0
2
3
: :
6
-
+
=

' '
as 1tanh 1
2
3
: :
6
-
+
+ +

' '
is a Iinite value.
tan 1 1 1 1
2 2 2
3 3 3
: : :
6 6 6
- - -
+
= = =

' '

)
2
2 2
2 2
2
2 2
1 1 1 1
x
N 3 ,
: : :
3 3 D 3
- -
- 6

+ +
= = = + =


' ' ' '

|

)
2 2
2 2
3 2
2 2 2
2
2 2
2 2 2
2
2 2 2 2
1 1
12 1

xc7
3 Et , 3
N D
3 , 3 - ,
3, 3 D , 3- D 3
D
3 ,- , - 3- , - 3
- 6 6

6 6 -
6
-
+
+ + +
= + = +

' ' ' ' ' '
' ' | |
+
+ +
= + = + = +

' ' ' '
' '

)
2 2
2
2
/
12 1
c7 xc7
t E , 3-
N t
- 3- ,
6
o

+ +
= = +

' ' ' '

Let
2
'
3
k
3
-
-
+
= +

' '
. Then
)
2
2
2
'
12 1
c7
k E
-
t
6
o

=
+

' '





11


(6-17)
For the smallest
xc7
N ,
2
2 2
2 2
2 1
0 0
xc7
dN D 3 3
3
d - 3 3
6 -
-
- - -
+ +
= = + = =

' ' ' '

II 1 3 = , then
)
2 2
2 2
2
4 '
1 ' 4 '4
12 1
xc7 c7
D k E
k N k
-
-
t
6 6
- o

= = = =
+

' '

II 2 3 = , then 2 ' 4 k - = =
II 3 3 = , then 3 ' 4 k - = =

Fig. 6-7 Plate buckling coeIIicient

. Longitudinally Stiffened Plates

3 4 3 3 3 2
3 1
4
1 3 4 2 2 6
-
k'
12

Fig. 6-8 Longitudinally stiIIened plate strip

Consider a rectangular plate simply supported on all Iour edges with a longitudinal
stiIIener at the center oI the plate as shown in Fig. 6-8. From Eqs. (6-14) and (6-16), the
deIlection surIaces can be written
)
1 1 1 2 1 3 2 4 2
sin cosh sinh cos sin Ior 0
3 x
w c k y c k y c k y c k y y
,
6
= + + + >
)
2 1 1 2 1 3 2 4 2
sin cosh sinh cos sin Ior 0
3 x
w c k y c k y c k y c k y y
,
6
= + + +
Boundary conditions (8 bc`s) to determine
1
c -
4
c are
1 2
at 0 w w y = = (1)
1 2
at 0
w w
y
y y

= =

(2)
2
1
2
0 at / 2 . .
w
y - 8 8
y

= =

(3)
1
0 at / 2 w y - = = (4)
2
2
2
0 at / 2
w
y -
y

= =

(5)
2
0 at / 2 w y - = = (6)
A
A
y

1
w
2
w
2
-
+
2
-

,
2
-

2
-

x
o
x
o
y
x
S.S.
S.S.
A-A
13
One needs two additional conditions. Consider the juncture where the stiIIener and the plate
meet as shown in Fig. 6-9. Consider the isolated stiIIener alone.


Fig. 6-9 StiIIener juncture

The behavior oI the stiIIener can be described by a beam equation
(know
x
A N o = ,
1 2
at 0 w w w y = = = ).
4 2
4 2
w w
EI A q
x x
o

+ =


)
bm
;
EIy Py q '' + = (7)
From the theory oI plates
) )
2 2 2 2
1 1 2 2
1 2 2 2 2 2
0
2 2
y
w w w w
Q Q q D
y y x y x

=

= = +


|

The distributed torque on the stiIIener is
3
2 1 3
%
y y % w
M M M GK EI
x x
7 7
= =

(positive torquecounterclockwise) (8)
where
%
GK and
w
EI are properties oI the stiIIener.
2 2 2 2
2 2 1 1
2 1 2 2 2 2
%
y y
w w w w
M M D D M
y x y x

+ +
= + + + =


' ' ' ' |

q
1
Q

2
Q

q
y
M
y
M
1
Q
2
Q
14
II
%
GK and
w
EI are negligibly small (small stiIIener), then
)
1 2
at 0 M 0
%
y y
M M y = = = (9)
Consider symmetric and antisymmetric buckling separately. Introducing parameters
)
2
3
12 1 I
EI
-t D-

= = bending rigidity ratio, D- EI eIIect oI plate element oI b width
A
-t
0 = area ratio ( Aarea oI stiIIener)
From symmetry,
2 2
1 2
1 2 2 2
0
/ 2
y
w w
Q Q q
x x
=
+
= =


' '

3
1
0 3
2
y
w
q D
y
=

(a)
Hence, Ior the stiIIener (which is a beam element)
3 4 2
1 1 1
0 0 3 4 2
2
y x y
w w w
D EI N
y x x
= =

= +


The above equation transIorms to the Iollowing in terms oI and 0 .
4 2 3
1 1 1
0 4 2 3
2 0
c
y
-t w w w
-
x D x y
0 o

=

+ + =

(b)
The available boundary conditions Ior the Iour unknowns,
1
c -
4
c are
(3) and (4),
1
0
0
y
w
y
=

(due to symmetry), and (b). Applying these Iour boundary conditions

yields Iour homogeneous equations Ior the integral constants,
1
c -
4
c . Setting the coeIIicient
determinant oI these simultaneous equations gives the stability condition Ior the symmetric mode
oI buckling.
15
)
1 1 1 2 1 3 2 4 2
sin cosh sinh cos sin Ior 0
3 x
w c k y c k y c k y c k y y
,
6
= + + + >
)
1
1 1 1 1 2 1 2 3 2 2 4 2
sin sinh cosh sin cos
w 3 x
k c k y k c k y k c k y k c k y
y ,
6
= + +

)
2
2 2 2 2 1
1 1 1 1 2 1 2 3 2 2 4 2 2
sin cosh sinh cos sin
w 3 x
k c k y k c k y k c k y k c k y
y ,
6
= +

)
3
3 3 3 3 1
1 1 1 1 2 1 2 3 2 2 4 2 3
sin sinh cosh sin cos
w 3 x
k c k y k c k y k c k y k c k y
y ,
6
= + +

)
1
1 1 2 1 3 2 4 2
cos cosh sinh cos sin
w 3 3 x
c k y c k y c k y c k y
x , ,
6 6
= + + +

)
2
2
1
1 1 2 1 3 2 4 2 2
sin cosh sinh cos sin
w 3 3 x
c k y c k y c k y c k y
x , ,
6 6 +
= + + +

' '

)
3
3
1
1 1 2 1 3 2 4 2 3
cos cosh sinh cos sin
w 3 3 x
c k y c k y c k y c k y
x , ,
6 6 +
= + + +

' '

)
4
4
1
1 1 2 1 3 2 4 2 4
sin cosh sinh cos sin
w 3 3 x
c k y c k y c k y c k y
x , ,
6 6 +
= + + +

' '

Boundary condition (3)
2
2 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 2
/ 2 1 1 1 2 2 3 2 4 2
0 sin cosh sinh cos sin
2 2 2 2
y -
w k - k - k - k - 3 x
k c k c k c k c
y ,
6
=
+
= = +

' '

2 2 2 2 1 1 2 2
1 1 1 2 2 3 2 4
cosh sinh cos sin 0
2 2 2 2
k - k - k - k -
k c k c k c k c + = (c)
Boundary condition (4)
1 1 2 2
1 / 2 1 2 3 4
0 sin cosh sinh cos sin
2 2 2 2
y -
k - k - k - k - 3 x
w c c c c
,
6
=
+
= = + + +

' '

1 1 2 2
1 2 3 4
cosh sinh cos sin 0
2 2 2 2
k - k - k - k -
c c c c + + + (d)
16
)
1
0
0 due to symmetry
y
w
y
=

1 2 2 4
0 k c k c + = (e)
Boundary condition (b)
)
4 4 4
1
0 1 3 4 3 4
sin
y
w 3 3 x
- c c
x - ,
6 6

-
=

= +

)
2 2 2
1
0 1 3 2 2
sin
c c
y
-t t w 3 3 x
c c
D x D- ,
0 o 0 o 6 6
-
=

= +

)
3
3 3 1
0 1 2 2 4 3
2 2sin
y
w 3 x
k c k c
y ,
6
=

4 2 3
1 1 1
4 2 3
0
2 0
c
y
-t w w w
-
x D x y
0 o

=
+
+ + =


' '

) ) )
4 4 2 2
3 3
1 3 1 3 1 2 2 4 3 4 2
2 0
c
t 3 3
c c c c k c k c
- D-
0 o 6 6
- -
+ + + =
4 4 2 2 4 4 2 2
3 3
1 1 2 3 2 4 3 4 2 3 4 2
2 2 0
c c
t t 3 3 3 3
c k c c k c
- D- - D-
0 o 0 o 6 6 6 6
- - - -
+ +
+ + =

' ' ' '
(I)
The coeIIicient determinant is
2 2 2 2 1 1 2 2
1 1 2 2
1 1 2 2
1 2
4 4 2 2 4 4 2 2
3 3
1 2 3 4 2 3 4 2
cos sin cos sin
2 2 2 2
cos sin cos sin
2 2 2 2
0 0
2 2
c c
k - k - k - k -
k h k h k k
k - k - k - k -
h h
k k
t t 3 3 3 3
k k
- D- - D-
0 o 0 o 6 6 6 6
- - - -



Let
4 4 2 2
3 4 2
c
t 3 3
-
- D-
0 o 6 6
- -
= . Then
17
2 2 2 2 1 1 2 2
1 1 2 2
1 1 2 2
1 2
3 3
1 2
cos sin cos sin
2 2 2 2
cos sin cos sin
2 2 2 2
0 0
2 2
k - k - k - k -
k h k h k k
k - k - k - k -
h h
k k
- k - k

Expanding the determinant, gives
) ) )
3 3 5 5 2 2 2 2
1 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 1 2
det cos 4 2 2 sin cos ch k k k k k k - ch k k k 8h k k k

= + + + + +
|

where
1
cosh
2
k -
ch
+
=

' '
,
1
sinh
2
k -
8h
+
=

' '
,
2
cos cos
2
k - +
=

' '
,
2
sin sin
2
k - +
=

' '

) ) )
2
2 2 2 2 2 2
1 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 1 2
det 2 cos sin cos k k k k ch - k k k ch k k k 8h

= + + + +
|

Letting the determinant equal to zero Ior the stability condition, yields
) ) )
) . J
2
2 2 2 2 2 2
1 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 1 2
2 2
1 2 1 2 1 2
0 2 cos sin cos
2 cos sin cos
k k k k ch - k k k ch k k k 8h
k k k k ch - k ch k 8h

= + + + +
|
= + +

Dividing both sides by
1 2
cos k k ch , gives
)
4 4 2 2
2 2 1 2
1 2 3 4 2
1 2
1 1
0 tanh tan 2
2 2
c
t k - k - 3 3
k k
k k - D-
0 o 6 6
- -
+ +
= +

' ' ' '
(6-18)
Eq. (6-18) gives the relationship between the stiIIener rigidity versus the compressive stress,
c
o ,
at the instance oI symmetric buckling. As Yoo, et al. (2001, Yoo, Chai H., Choi, Byung H., and
Ford, Elizabeth M., "StiIIness Requirements Ior Longitudinally StiIIened Box Girder Flanges,"
Journal oI Structural Engineering, ASCE, Vol. 127, No. 6, pp. 705-711.) and Choi and Yoo
(2005, Choi, B.H., and Yoo, C.H., "Strength oI StiIIened Flanges in Horizontally Curved Box
Girders," Journal oI Engineering Mechanics, ASCE, Vol. 131, No. 2, pp. 167-176.) discovered
18
in their numerical investigations, the symmetrical buckling mode occurs with 31. Hence, the
critical compressive stress oI the plate,
c
o , given by Bryan is substituted into Eq. (6-18) with k4,
conservatively,
) )
2 2
2 2
2 2
12 1 3 1
2 2
c
k E E
- -
t t
6 6
o

= =
+ +


' ' ' '
(6-19)
Bleich (Buckling Strength oI Metal Structures, McGraw-Hill, 1952, pp. 366) used Eq. (6-18) to
generate the Iollowing Iigure Ior
0
versus- .

Fig. 6-10 DeIinition oI mode shapes

Symmetric Anti-symmetric
19
It is clear that the aspect ratio, - , used in the Iigure is Ior the original unstiIIened rectangular
plate as there is no mention in the Bleich`s text as to any other deIinition. The number oI halI
waves, 3, is not clear whether it is Ior the symmetrical buckling mode or the antisymmetric
buckling mode. The aspect ratio oI numerous antisymmetric buckling mode shapes observed
during the course oI Iinite element analyses, remains close to one as expected (since it gives the
lowest critical stress). Hence, the number oI halI waves must be equal to two corresponding to
1 - = in the above Iigure, since the aspect ratio oI the subpanel created by one longitudinal
stiIIener considered in this model is equal to two. Also the number oI halI waves remains to be
one in the symmetric buckling mode. Furthermore, the longitudinal stiIIener is essentially a rod
subjected to a compressive Iorce. ThereIore, the stiIIness oI such a rod must be increased in a
geometric proportion corresponding to a higher aspect ratio oI the subpanel (i.e., a higher
eIIective length). Examination oI the above Iigure based on these two Iundamental reasons,
reveals that the above Iigure does not appear plausible.
It should be reminded that the above derivation is basically Ior elastic buckling. Although Bleich
adopted a tangent modulus concept using the modular ratio oI t in the case oI inelastic buckling,
the tangent modulus theory has been proven to yield unconservative prediction oI critical stresses
in the inelastic range.
It is, thereIore, recommended that the Iollowing Iormula derived numerically at Auburn
University reIerenced above be used Ior the minimum required moment oI inertia oI longitudinal
stiIIeners
2 3
0 3
8
I . 3 wt - = (6-20)
where 3number oI longitudinal stiIIeners, wwidth oI subpanel. Eq. (6-20) is also valid Ior
inelastic buckling. Eq. (6-20) also works Ior horizontally curved box girders.
20
. Strain Energy of Bending in Plates

Fig. 6-11 In-plane stress elements

For thin-walled plates where the thickness, t, is not greater than, say, one tenth oI the plate side
dimensions, the constitutive relationship becomes a plane stress problem; i.e., 0
x y
o = = = .
Consider the plate element shown in Fig. 6-11 subjected Iirst to
x
o only.
Then, the Iorce
x x
P dA ddy o o = = moves a distance equal to /
x xx x
dx dx E 1 o = = . Hence,
2
1
1 1
2
x
dU dx dy d
E
o = (6-21)
then, the element is subjected to
y
o . The strain energy due to
y
o is
2
2
1 1
2
y
dU dx dy d
E
o = (6-22)
However, this time, the Iorce in the x direction rides a distance
y
dx
E
o
= . Hence,
3
1
y x
dU dx dy d
E
o o = (6-23)
Assuming that normal stresses produce no shear stresses and vice versa, it is possible to obtain
strain energy oI a plate element due to shear independent Irom the normal Iorces. Due to a shear
stress, there exists a Iorce,
xy
dxd t and a deIormation
xy
dy . Hence,
dy
dx
d
x
o
y
o
yx
t
xy
t
21
)
2
4
1 1
2
xy xy xy
dU dxd dy dxdyd
E

t t
+
= = (6-24)

Fig. 6-12 Shear strain

The total strain energy is then
)
2 2 2
1
2 2 1
2
x y x y xy
dU dxdyd
E
o o o o t = + + +
|
(6-25)
For the entire plate oI length ,, width -, and thickness t, the strain energy becomes
)
/ 2
2 2 2
/ 2 0 0
1
2 2 1
2
t - ,
x y x y xy
t
U dxdyd
E
o o o o t

= + + +
|
(6-26)
As a consequence oI neglecting
yz
, ,
x
o , Eq. (6-26) is limited to thin plates only, but it is not
limited to problems oI neither small displacements nor membrane Iorces only. Eq. (6-26) can
and will be used Ior other cases depending upon the proper expression oI these stresses. II one
considers only Ior bending and substituting the corresponding expressions Ior these stresses, one
obtains;
)
)
2 2 2
2 2 2 2 2
/ 2
2
2 2 2 2 2
/ 2 0 0
2 2 1
2 1
t - ,
t
E w w w w w
U dxdyd
x y x y x y

+ + +
= + + +


' ' ' ' ' '
|

(6-27)
AIter carrying out the integral with respect to z, Eq. (6-27) becomes
y
xy
dy
x
xy

xy
t
22
)
2 2 2
2 2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2
0 0
2 2 1
2
- ,
D w w w w w
U dxdy
x y x y x y


+ + +
= + + +


' ' ' ' ' '
|

(6-28)

Fig. 6-13 Square plate Iixed on all Iour sides

Example
Compute the critical load,
xc7
N oI a square plate Iixed Ior Ilexure on all Iour boundaries.
Solution
The geometric boundary conditions are
0 at 0,
2 2
1 cos 1 cos
0 at 0,
w
w x ,
x y x
w A
w
, ,
w y ,
y
6 6

= = =

+ +
=
`

' '' '

= = =

)
meets bc`s
2 2 2
sin 1 cos
w A x y
x , , ,
6 6 6 + +
=

' ' ' '

,
2 2 2
sin 1 cos
w A y x
y , , ,
6 6 6 + +
=

' ' ' '

2 2
2 2
4 2 2
cos 1 cos
w A x y
x , , ,
6 6 6 + +
=

' ' ' '

,
2 2
2 2
4 2 2
cos 1 cos
w A y x
y , , ,
6 6 6 + +
=

' ' ' '

2 2
2
4 2 2
sin sin
w A x y
x y , , ,
6 6 6 + +
=


' ' ' '

,
,
x
y
x
N
x
N
23
Substituting the above derivatives into Eq. (6-27), leads to
)
2 2
2 2
4 2
4
0 0
2 2
2 2
2 2 2
cos 1 2cos cos
2 2 2
cos 1 2cos cos
16
2
2 2 2 2
2 cos cos cos cos
2 2
2 1 sin sin
, ,
x y y
, , ,
y x x
D A , , ,
U dxdy
,
x x y y
, , , ,
x y
, ,
6 6 6
6 6 6
6
6 6 6 6

6 6

+
+

' '


+
+ +

' '

=

+ +
+

' ' ' '


+

|


Making use oI the Iollowing deIinite integrals, the strain energy becomes
2 2
0 0
0 0
sin , cos
2 2
,
sin 0, cos 0
x x
dx dx
x x
dx dx
- -
- -
.6 - .6 -
- -
- .
.6 .6
- -

= =

= =

)


any integer
4 2
2
16D A
U
,
6
=
The loss oI potential energy oI externally applied load due to shortening oI the plate element is


Fig. 6-14 Axially loaded plate strip

)
2 2
0 0 0
1
2 2
, , ,
x
x
N w w
dJ N dy dx J dy dx
x x

+ +
= =



' ' ' '

|


x
y
x
N dy
y
d
x
N dy
24
which yields upon integration,
2 2
3
2
x
N A
J
6
=
2 2 4 2
2
3 16
2
x
N A D A
U J
,
6 6
6 = + =
4
2
2
32
0 3 0
x
d D A
N A
dA ,
6 6
6 = = = , since 0 A
2 2
2 2
32 10.67
3
xc7
D D
N
, ,
6 6
= = an upper bound solution
M. Levy`s inIinite series Ior w gives )
2
2
10.07
6
xc7
D
N
,
6
= .

. Shear Buckling of a Plate Element by Galerkin`s Method
Assume a two-term trigonometric displacement Iunction such that
2
2
1 2 2
2
0 at 0,
2 2
sin sin sin sin
0 at 0,
w
w x ,
x y x y x
w A A
, , , , w
w y ,
y
6 6 6 6

= = =


= +
`

= = =

)

The assumed displacement Iunction meets geometric boundary conditions and natural boundary
conditions.
25


Fig. 6-15 Square plate subjected to in-plane shear

Galerkin equation takes the Iollowing Iorm
) )
0 0
,
, ,

Q w x y dxdy

with 1 2 , =
where
)
4 4 4 2
4 2 2 4
2
2
xy
N
w w w w
Q w
x x y y D x y

= + + +


)
1
, sin sin
x y
x y
, ,
6 6
=
)
2
2 2
, sin sin
x y
x y
, ,
6 6
=
Since there are two terms in the assumed displacement Iunction, two Galerkin equations must be
written.
x
y
xy
N
,
S.S.
. . $ $
S.S.
S.S.
,
26
4 4
2 2 1 2
4 4
2
1
2
0 0
2
2
2
4 64 2 2
sin sin sin sin sin sin
cos sin cos sin
2
4 2 2
cos sin cos sin
, ,
xy
A A x y x x y y
, , , , , , , ,
A x x y y
dxdy
N
, , , , ,
D
A x x y y
, , , , ,
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
6 6 6 6 6
6 6 6 6 6

+


+

+

+


' ' |

and
4 4
2 2 1 2
4 4
2
1
2
0 0
2
2
2
4 64 2 2 2 2
sin sin sin sin sin sin
2 2
cos sin cos sin
2
4 2 2 2 2
cos sin cos sin
, ,
xy
A A x x y y x y
, , , , , , , ,
A x x y y
dxdy
N
, , , , ,
D
A x x y y
, , , , ,
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
6 6 6 6 6
6 6 6 6 6

+


+

+

+


' ' |


Recall
2 2
0 0
0 0
0 0
sin , cos
2 2
sin sin 0, cos cos 0 m n
2 2 2 4
cos sin , sin cos
3 3
, ,
, ,
, ,
2 x , 2 x ,
dx dx
, ,
2 x 3 x 2 x 3 x
, , , ,
x x , x x ,
dx dx
, , , ,
6 6
6 6 6 6
6 6 6 6
6 6

= =

= =
,

= =

|




Hence, the Galerkin equations reduce to
2 2
4 2
4
1 2
4 2
1 2 2
2 2 4
4 2
2 1
1 2 2
4 2
2
4 4 2 32
0
0
2 3
9

32
16 2
64 4
0
0
9
2 3
xy
xy
xy
xy
N
A A , , N
A A
, D ,
, D
47
N
N
A A , ,
A A
D ,
, D ,
6 6
6
6
6
6 6
6

+ +
+ =
+ =

' ' ' '
`
+ +
+ =
+ =


' ' ' ' )

Setting the determinant Ior
1 2
, A A equal to zero, gives
)
4
2
2
2
4
2
32
9
0 11.1 18.8 upper bound
32
16
9
xy
xyc7
xy
N
, D
N D
N ,
D ,
6
6
6
= =
A more precise analysis gives
2
2
9.34
xyc7
N D
,
6
=
27
Inelastic plate buckling analysis may be perIormed using an iterative procedure on commercially
available general purpose 3D Iinite element package such as ABAQUS, NASTRAN, ADINA,
etc. Inelastic buckling at the transition zone is Iairly sensitively aIIected by the initial
imperIection assumed.
6. Large (Finite) Deflection Theory of Plates

Fig. 6-16 In-plane Iorces acting on plate element - large displacement theory

The term, large deIlection, means that the deIlection oI a plate element is in the order oI the plate
thickness. Hence, the approximations used in the micro-geometry, 1 c48 , 83 7 7 7 = = , hold. It
is also possible to approximate the curvature with second derivatives. The only diIIerence in the
large deIlection theory compared to the small deIlection theory is that the in-plane Iorces are
assumed to vary (do not remain constant).
w w
dx
x x x
+
+


' '

x
y
dy
dx
y
N
w
x

w
y

w
x

x
N
yx
N

xy
N

t
w w
dx
y x y
+
+


' '

w w
dy
x y x
+
+


' '

w w
dy
y y y
+
+


' '

y
y
N
N dy
y

yx
yx
N
N dy
y

x
x
N
N dx
x

xy
xy
N
N dx
x

w
y

28
Consider equilibrium oI in-plane Iorce components in the deIormed conIiguration.
x-direction 0
yx
x
N
N
x y

+ =

(6-29)
y-direction 0
y xy
N N
y x

+ =

(6-30)
Equilibrium oI
x
N Iorce components in the -direction is
2
2
x
x x
N w w w
N dy N dx dx dy
x x x x
+ +
+ + +


' '
' '

AIter simpliIying and neglecting higher order terms, gives
2
2
x
x
N w w
N dxdy dxdy
x x x

+

(6-31)
In a similar manner, equilibrium oI
y
N Iorce components in the z-direction is
2
2
y
y
N
w w
N dxdy dxdy
y y y

+

(6-32)
The shearing Iorce components ( ,
xy yx
N N ) in the z-direction are
2
xy
xy
N
w w
N dxdy dxdy
x y x y

+

(6-33)
2
yx
yx
N
w w
N dxdy dxdy
x y y x

+

(6-34)
By adding Eqs. (6-1)-(6-34) and making use oI Eqs. (6-29) and (6-30), one obtains
2 2 2
2 2
2
x y xy
w w w
N N N dxdy
x y x y
+
+ +


' '
(6-35)
To obtain the equation oI equilibrium oI Iorces in the z-direction, the contribution oI in-plane
Iorces must be added to the transverse shearing Iorces which were derived in Eqs. (6-2), (6-3),
and (6-4). Rewriting Eq. (6-4), gives
29
2 2
2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2
2 2 0
xy y
x
x y xy
M M
M w w w
N N N
x x y y x y x y


+ + + + + =

(6-36)
Substituting the moment-curvature relationships, Eq. (6.36) becomes
4 4 4 2 2 2
4 2 2 4 2 2
2 2 0
x y xy
w w w w w w
D N N N
x x y y x y x y
+
+ + + + + =


' '
(6-37)
Rearranging Eq. (6.37), yields
4 4 4 2 2 2
4 2 2 4 2 2
2 2 0
x y xy
w w w w w w
D N N N
x x y y x y x y
+
+ + =


' '
(6-38)
, ,
x y xy
N N N in Eq. (6-38) are variables in x and y while they are constants in Eq. (6-13). Hence,
Eq. (6-38) is a 4th order partial diIIerential equation with variable coeIIicients with 4 unknowns.
The additional relationships required to eliminate three unknowns are provided by the
compatibility condition.
Compatibility
The axial strains in x- and y-directions are obtained by adding the in-plane contribution and the
bending (vertical) eIIect. Hence,
2
2
1
2
1
2
x
y
: w
e
x x
; w
e
y y

+
= +



' '

`
+

= +



' ' )
recall Green-Lagrange strain (6-39)
The shear strain (angular change) may consist oI the in-plane contribution and the bending
(vertical) contribution.
The in-plane contribution is
3
: ;
y x

+ =



30

Fig. 6-17 In-plane angle change

Fig. 6-18 Out oI plane angle change

The bending contribution is
' ' '
2 2
w w
BOA B O A
6 6

+
= . . =

' '

From the elementary geometry (law oI cosine),
) ) ) ) )
2 2 2
' ' ' ' ' ' 2 ' ' ' ' cos
2
w
A B O A O B O A O B
6

+
= +

' '

where
0
0'
dx
dy
B
A
B'
A'
w
w
w
y

w
dx
x

w
x

w
dy
y

0
0'
dx
dy
B
A
B'
A'
:
;
:
dy
y

:
: dx
x

;
dx
x

31
)
)
)
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2 2
' '
' '
' '
w
O A dx dx
x
w
O B dy dy
y
w w
A B dx dy dy dx
y x

+
= +

' '

+
= +
`

' '

= + +

' ' )
Irom the Pythagoras theorem
Neglecting higher order terms, one has
) ) ' ' ' ' O A O B dxdy =
Recognizing that cos
2
w w
6

+
=

' '
Ior small angles, then
)
2 2
2
2
2 2 2 2
' ' 2
w
w w w w
A B dx dx dy dy dxdy dx dy dy dx
x y y x

+ + +
= + + + = + +


' '
' ' ' '

which leads to
w
w w
x y

=


Hence,
: ; w w
y x x y

= + +

(6-40)
In a plane stress problem ( 0
y x
N N o = = = )
)
)
)
1
1
2 1
x x y
y y x
xy xy
e N N
Et
e N N
Et
N
Et

=
`

+
=

)
(6-41)
From Eqs. (6-39) and (6-40), aIter proper diIIerentiations
32
2
2 2
2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2
y xy
x
e
e w w w
y x x y x y x y
+
+ =


' '
(6-42)
Equation (6.42) is the deIormation compatibility equation.
Introducing a stress Iunction, ) , x y such that
2
2
2
2
2
x
y
xy

N t
y

N t
x

N t
x y

=

=
`

=



)
(6-43)
Combining Eqs. (6-43) and (6-41), gives
)
2 2
2 2
2 2
2 2
2
1
1
2 1
x
y
xy

e
E y x

e
E x y

E x y

+
=


' '

+
=
`

' '

=

)
(6-44)
Substituting Eq. (6-44) into Eq. (6-42), yields
2
4 4 4 2 2 2
4 2 2 4 2 2
2
w w w
E
x x y y x y x y

+
+ + =


' '
|
(6-45)
and substituting Eq. (6-43) into Eq. (6-38), gives
4 4 4 2 2 2 2 2 2
4 2 2 4 2 2 2 2
2 2 0
w w w t w w w
x x y y D y x x y x y x y
+
+ + + =


' '
(or
q
D
) (6-46)
Eqs. (6-45) and (6-46) are known as von K rm n equation as he is credited Ior the derivation.
. Postbuckling of Plate Elements
33
Eqs. (6-45) and (6-46) are non-linear coupled partial diIIerential equations. As is the case Ior all
non-linear equations, there is no closed Iorm general solution available to these equations.
Consider as an example, a square plate simply supported on all Iour edges subjected to a uniIorm
compressive Iorce,
x
N . Examine the stress pattern in the postbuckling range.

Fig. 6-19 Simply supported square plate subjected to uniaxial Iorce
Assumptions
1. All edges remain straight and maintain the original 90 degrees.
2. The shearing Iorces,
)
xy yx
N N vanish on all Iour edges.
3. The edges, 0, y , = are Iree to move in the y-direction.


0
1
,
x ,; x
N dy
,t
o =

(a)
hence,
x ,;
o is positive when
x
N is in compression.
x
N is assumed to vary as a result oI large
displacement in the postbuckling range. The plate boundary conditions are
2 2
2 2
0 at 0, and 0 at 0,
w w
w x , w y ,
x y

= = = = = =


Assume
,
,
x
y
x
N
x
N
34
sin sin
x y
w f
, ,
6 6
= (b)
Substituting equation (b) into Eq. (6-45), gives
4 4 4 4
2 2 2 2 2
4 2 2 4 4
4
2
4
2 cos cos sin sin
2 2
cos cos
2
E x y x y
f
x x y y , , , , ,
E x y
f
, , ,
6 6 6 6 6
6 6 6
+
+ + =


' '
+
= +

' '
(c)
Let the solution oI equation (c) be
t h p
= + . The implication oI the homogeneous solution is
that the right hand side oI equation (c) is equal to zero. That is the transverse deIlection oI the
plate is either zero or negligibly small in the state just prior to buckling. At this state,
x
N is
constant at any point oI the plate.
2
2
2 x h

N t Ay
y

= =

2
2
2
2
x,;
x
x,; x,; h
y
N

t y
o
o o

= = =

(d)
Assume
2 2
cos cos
p
x y
B C
, ,
6 6
= +
4 4 4 4 4
4 4 4 4 2 2
16 2 16 2
cos , cos , 0
x y
B C
x , , y , , x y
6 6 6 6
= = =


Upon substituting into equation (c), yields
4 4 2
2
4 4
16 2 2
cos cos
2 32
x E x Ef
B f B C
, , , ,
6 6 6 6
= = =
Hence, the total solution is
2
2
2 2
cos cos
32 2
x,;
t
y
Ef x y

, ,
o
6 6 +
= +

' '
(e)
35
To determine the coeIIicient, f , use the Galerkin method.
) )
0 0
, 0
, ,
Q f x y dxdy =

(I)
where
)
4 4 4 2 2 2 2 2 2
4 2 2 4 2 2 2 2
2 2
w w w t w w w
Q f
x x y y D y x x y x y x y
+
= + + +


' '

) , sin sin
x y
x y
, ,
6 6
=
Using (b) Ior w and (e) Ior , one can write ) Q f as
)
4 3 4 2
4 4 2
1 4 2 2
cos cos sin sin
8
x,;
fD Etf x y x y
Q f tf
D , , , , , , ,
6 6 6 6 6 6 6
o

+
= +

' '
|

Hence, the Galerkin equation takes the Iollowing Iorm
4 2
2 2
4 2
3 4 0 0
2 2 2 2
4
4
sin sin
1
2 2
cos sin sin cos sin sin
8
x,;
, ,
fD x y
tf
, , , ,
dxdy
D
Etf x x y y x y
, , , , , , ,
6 6 6 6
o
6 6 6 6 6 6 6
+
+

' '
' '


+
+


' ' |


Recall
2 2
2 2
0 0 0
2 1 2 2
cos sin cos cos
2
2 2 2
cos , sin , cos 0
2 2
, , ,
x x x x
, , , ,
x , x , x
dx dx dx
, , ,
6 6 6 6
6 6 6
+
=

' '
= = =


4 2 2 3 4
2 2
4 2 4
0 0
4 2 2
cos sin cos sin 0
4 8 2
, ,
x,;
fD , Etf , x x y y
tf dx dy
, , , , , , ,
6 6 6 6 6 6 6
o
+
+
+ =

' '
' '


4 2 3 4
2 2
0
4 32
x,;
fD Etf
tf
, ,
6 6 6
o + =
)
2 2 2 2 2 2
2
2 2 2 2
4 8
8 8
x,; c7 x,; c7
D E f E f ,
f
t, , , E
6 6 6
o o o o
6
= + = + =
36
Fig. 6-20 shows the variation oI
x,;
o .

Fig. 6-20 Postbuckling stress

Recall equation (e)
2
2
2 2
cos cos
32 2
x,;
t
y
Ef x y

, ,
o
6 6 +
= +

' '
and
)
2 2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2
2 2 8
cos cos
8 8
x
x x,; x,; x,; c7
N E f y E y ,
t y , , , , E
6 6 6 6
o o o o o
6

= = = + = +

Hence,
)
2
cos
x x,; x,; c7
y
,
6
o o o o = +
In a similar manner,
)
2 2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2
2 2 8
cos cos
8 8
y
y x,; c7
N
E f x E x ,
t x , , , , E
6 6 6 6
o o o
6

= = = =

Hence,
)
2
cos
y x,; c7
x
,
6
o o o =
Fig. 6-21 shows the variation oI
x
o and
y
o .
f
Parabolic
x,
o
37

Fig. 6-21 EIIective width concept

As can be seen Irom Fig. 6-21, the tensile stress,
y
o , developed in the middle oI the plate is
believed to be the source oI the postbuckling strength. Also, the degree oI the uneven stress
distribution,
x
o , in the postbuckling stage, could be reIlected in the determination oI the eIIective
width oI thin plates in compression.
It should be noted that the postbuckling strength discussed above is due to the geometric
nonlinearity. As can be seen Irom Fig. 6-20, any signiIicant postbuckling (reserve) strength can
only be recognized aIter a considerable deIormation. ThereIore, in most design speciIications
dealing with hot rolled structural plates subjected to inplane compression, the postbuckling
strength is not recognized whereas it is recognized in the design oI cold-Iormed structures. One
exception to this practice is Iound in web panels oI plate girders, where the postbuckling strength
is due to a combination oI the geometric and material nonlinearity. Yoo and Lee (Yoo. C.H., and
Lee, S.C., 'Mechanics oI Web Panel Postbuckling Behavior in Shear, J. Structural Engineering,
ASCE, Vol. 132, No. 10, October 2006, pp. 1580-1589) and Lee et al. (Lee, Sung C., Yoo, C.H.,
and Yoon, D.Y., 'New Design Rule Ior Intermediate Transverse StiIIeners Attached on Web
x
o
y
o
e
-
e
-
38
Panels, Journal oI Structural Engineering, ASCE, Vol. 129, No. 12, December 2003, pp. 1607-
1614.) provides a new theory and procedures in the design oI transverse intermediate vertical
stiIIeners consolidating partially correct existing theories.
Example
A square plate oI dimension ', is simply supported on all Iour boundaries. The plate is
subjected to a uniIormly distributed compressive load on Iour sides as shown in Fig. 6-22. Using
the diIIerential equation method discussed, determine the critical load.

Fig. 6-22 Square plate subjected to load on Iour sides
Solution
The governing diIIerential equation oI the problem may be written as per Eq. (6-13) as
4 4 4 2 2
4 2 2 4 2 2
2 0
w w w w w
D N
x x y y x y
+ +
+ + + + =


' ' ' '

Assume the displacement Iield Iunction w to be
1 1
sin sin with , 1, 2, 3 . .
23
2 3
2 x 3 y
w A 2 3
, ,
6 6
= =
= =

,
,
x
y
N
N
N
N
S.S.
S.S. S.S.
S.S.
39
The assumed Iunction satisIies the geometric and natural boundary conditions. According to
Vlasov`s observation, the assumed Iunction is indeed the correct solution to the diIIerential
equation. Substitution oI the appropriate derivatives oI the assumed solution Iunction, w, into
the diIIerential equation leads to
)
4 4 2 2 4 4 4 2
2 2
4 4 4 2
1 1
2 sin sin 0
23
2 3
2 2 3 3 N 2 x 3 y
A 2 3
, , , D, , ,
6 6 6 6 6 6
= =

+ + + =

|

Since the sum oI an inIinite number oI independent Iunctions cannot be equal to zero, the only
way to satisIy the above equation to be zero is iI the coeIIicient oI every one oI the terms is equal
to zero. Thus
)
4 4 2 2 4 4 4 2
2 2
4 4 4 2
2 0
23
2 2 3 3 N
A 2 3
, , , D,
6 6 6 6
+ + + =

|

0
23
A Ior nontrivial solution. Hence the expression in the brackets must be equal to zero.
Thus
) ) )
4 2 2
2
2 2 2 2 2 2
4 2 2
0
N D
2 3 2 3 N 2 3
, D, ,
6 6 6
+ + = = +

|

Obviously, the smallest critical load is obtained Ior 21 and 31. Hence
2
2
2
c7
D
N
,
6
=
Consider a square plate oI dimension "," subjected to
x
N . The boundary condition
perpendicular to
x
N is changed to pinned (immovable). Due to the eIIect oI Poisson's ratio,
0.3 = , Iorces are induced in the y-direction equal to
y x
N N = . Determine the critical load,
x c7
N .
Solution
40
The governing diIIerential equation oI the problem may be written as per Eq. (6-13) as
)
4 4 4 2 2
4 2 2 4 2 2
2 0.3 0
w w w w w
D N
x x y y x y
+
+ + + + =


' ' |

Assume the displacement Iield Iunction w to be
1 1
sin sin with , 1, 2, 3 . .
23
2 3
2 x 3 y
w A 2 3
, ,
6 6
= =
= =

The assumed Iunction satisIies the geometric and natural boundary conditions. According to
Vlasov`s observation, the assumed Iunction is indeed the correct solution to the diIIerential
equation. Substitution oI the appropriate derivatives oI the assumed solution Iunction, w, into
the diIIerential equation leads to
)
4 4 2 2 4 4 4 2
2 2
4 4 4 2
1 1
2 0.3 sin sin 0
23
2 3
2 2 3 3 N 2 x 3 y
A 2 3
, , , D, , ,
6 6 6 6 6 6
= =

+ + + =

|

Since the sum oI an inIinite number oI independent Iunctions cannot be equal to zero, the only
way to satisIy the above equation to be zero is iI the coeIIicient oI every one oI the terms is equal
to zero. Thus
)
4 4 2 2 4 4 4 2
2 2
4 4 4 2
2 0.3 0
23
2 2 3 3 N
A 2 3
, , , D,
6 6 6 6
+ + + =

|

0
23
A Ior nontrivial solution. Hence the expression in the brackets must be equal to zero.
Thus
) ) ) )
4 2 2
2 2
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
4 2 2
0.3 0 / 0.3
N D
2 3 2 3 N 2 3 2 3
, D, ,
6 6 6
+ + = = + +

|

Obviously, the smallest critical load is obtained Ior 21 and 31. Hence
2
2
3.077
c7
D
N
,
6
=
41
Example
A square plate oI dimension ', is simply supported on all Iour boundaries. The plate is
subjected to a linearly varying compressive load,
x
N , as shown in Fig. 6-23. Using the energy
method discussed, determine the critical load.
Solution
As per Eq. (6-28), the strain energy oI the deIormed square plate is

Fig. 6-23 Linearly varying load

)
2 2 2
2 2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2
0 0
2 2 1
2
, ,
D w w w w w
U dxdy
x y x y x y


+ + +
= + + +


' ' ' ' ' '
|


The geometric boundary conditions are
2
2
2
2
0 at 0,
sin sin
0 at 0,
w
w x ,
x y x
w A
, , w
w y ,
y
6 6

= = =


=
`

= = =

)
meets bc`s
w A x y
c48 83
x , , ,
6 6 6
=

,
w A x y
83 c48
y , , ,
6 6 6
=

2 2
2 2
w A x y
83 83
x , , ,
6 6 6
=

,
2 2
2 2
w A x y
83 83
y , , ,
6 6 6
=

,
x
y
0
N
S.S
S.S. S.S.
S.S.
0
N
42
2 2
2
w A x y
c48 c48
x y , , ,
6 6 6
=


Substituting the above derivatives into Eq. (6-28), leads to
)
2 2
4 2
2 2
4
0 0
2 2
2sin sin
2 sin sin
2
2 1 cos cos
, ,
x y
, ,
D A x y
U dxdy
, , ,
x y
, ,
6 6
6 6 6

6 6

= +



+

|


Making use oI the Iollowing deIinite integrals, the strain energy becomes
2 2
0 0
0 0
sin , cos
2 2
,
sin 0, cos 0
x x
dx dx
x x
dx dx
- -
- -
.6 - .6 -
- -
- .
.6 .6
- -

= =

= =

)


any integer
4 2
2
2
D A
U
,
6
=
The loss oI potential energy oI externally applied load due to shortening oI the plate element is
)
2 2
0 0 0
1
2 2
, , ,
x
x
N w w
dJ N dy dx J dy dx
x x

+ +
= =



' ' ' '

|


2 2 2 2
2 2 2 0
0 2
0 0 0
1
1 cos sin 1 sin
2 4
, , ,
A N y A x y y y
J N dy dx dy
, , , , , , ,
6 6 6 6 6 +
+ +
= =

' ' ' '
' '


Know (Irom Math Tables or Maple

, etc.)
2
2
0
sin
4
,
y ,
y dy
,
6
=

this yields upon integration,
2 2 2 2
0 0
4 2 4 16
A N A N , ,
J
,
6 6 +
= =

' '

43
2 2 4 2
0
2
2 16
N A D A
U J
,
6 6
6 = + =
2 4
0
2
0 0
8
N A d D A
dA ,
6 6 6
= = = , since 0 A
2
2
8
xc7
D
N
,
6
= an upper bound solution
Using an inIinite series Ior the deIlection (
m1 1
w sin sin
23
3
2 x 3 y
,
, ,
6 6

=

), Timoshenko and Gere

(Theory oI Elastic Stability, McGraw-Hill, 1961, pp. 377) obtained
2
2
7.8
xc7
D
N
,
6
= .
The Iollowings are Maple

commands to evaluate U and J above

restart
with (student)
eqA*sin(Pi*x/a)*sin(Pi*y/a);
dwx2diII(eq,x,x);
dwy2diII(eq,y,y);
dwxydiII(eq,x,y);
Iuncdwx2`2dwy2`22*mu*dwx2*dwy22*(1-mu)*dwxy`2;
i1Doubleint(Iunc,x0..a,y0..a);
v1value(i1);
UD/2*v1;
dwxdiII(eq,x);
v1-1/2*N0*(Doubleint((1-y/a)*dwx`2,x0..a,y0..a);
Vvalue(v1);

44
Example
A square plate oI dimension ', is simply supported on edges parallel to the uniIormly
distributed load,
x
N , and Iixed on edges perpendicular to the load. Using the energy method
discussed, determine the critical load.

Fig. 6-24 Square plate with simple-Iixed boundaries
Solution
As per Eq. (6-28), the strain energy oI the deIormed square plate is
)
2 2 2
2 2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2
0 0
2 2 1
2
, ,
D w w w w w
U dxdy
x y x y x y


+ + +
= + + +


' ' ' ' ' '
|


The geometric boundary conditions are
2
2
0 at 0,
0 at 0,
w
w x ,
x
w
w y ,
y

= = =


`

= = =

)

Assume a Iour-term displacement Iunction
,
,
x
y
x
N
x
N
Fxd.
S.S. S.S.
Fxd.
45
11 12
21 22
2 4
sin 1 cos sin 1 cos
2 2 2 4
sin 1 cos sin 1 cos
x y x y
w A A
, , , ,
x y x y
A A
, , , ,
6 6 6 6
6 6 6 6
+ +
= +

' ' ' '
+ +
+ +

' ' ' '

Making use oI Maple

, the strain energy becomes

)
4
2 2 2 2
11 12 21 22 11 12 21 22 2
27 291 96 432 4 64
8
D
U A A A A A A A A
,
6
= + + + + +
Making use oI Maple

, the loss oI energy oI applied load becomes

)
2
2 2 2 2
11 12 21 22 11 12 21 22
3 3 12 12 4 16
8
N
J A A A A A A A A
6
= + + + + +
)
)
4
2 2 2 2
11 12 21 22 11 12 21 22 2
2
2 2 2 2
11 12 21 22 11 12 21 22
27 291 96 432 4 64
8
3 3 12 12 4 16
8
D
U J A A A A A A A A
,
N
A A A A A A A A
6
6
6
= + = + + + + +
+ + + + +

) )
4 2
11 12 11 12 2
11
54 4 3 2 0
8 4
D N
A A A A
A ,
6 6 6
= + + =

) )
4 2
12 11 12 11 2
12
582 4 3 2 0
8 4
D N
A A A A
A ,
6 6 6
= + + =

) )
4 2
21 22 21 22 2
21
192 64 12 8 0
8 4
D N
A A A A
A ,
6 6 6
= + + =

) )
4 2
22 21 22 21 2
22
864 64 12 8 0
8 4
D N
A A A A
A ,
6 6 6
= + + =

46
2 2
2 2
2 2
2 2
2 2
2 2
2 2
2 2
27 2
3 2 0 0
2 291
2 3 0 0
0
96 32
0 0 12 8
32 432
0 0 8 12
D D
N N
, ,
D D
N N
, ,
D D
N N
, ,
D D
N N
, ,
6 6
6 6
6 6
6 6


=



Expanding, gives
) )
2 4 2 2 2 4 2 4 2 2 2 4
2528 364 5 7853 946 5 0 D D N, N , D D N, N , 6 6 6 6 + + =
Solving Ior N, yields
2
2
7.78
c7
D
N
,
6
=
The coeIIicient is reduced to 7.78 Irom 9.0 by using a Iour-term displacement Iunction (instead
oI one).
Using an inIinite series Ior the deIlection (
m1 1
2
w sin 1 cos
23
3
2 x 3 y
,
, ,
6 6

=
+

' '

), Timoshenko
and Gere (Theory oI Elastic Stability, McGraw-Hill, 1961, pp. 367) obtained
2
2
7.69
xc7
D
N
,
6
= .
Example
A square plate oI dimension 'a is simply supported on all Iour boundaries. The plate is
subjected to a linearly varying compressive load,
x
N , as shown in Fig. 6-25. Using the energy
method discussed, determine the critical load.
Solution
As per Eq. (6-28), the strain energy oI the deIormed square plate is

47

Fig. 6-25 Square plate subjected to stresses due to bending and axial Iorce

)
2 2 2
2 2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2
0 0
2 2 1
2
, ,
D w w w w w
U dxdy
x y x y x y


+ + +
= + + +


' ' ' ' ' '
|


The geometric boundary conditions are
2
2
2
2
0 at 0,
sin sin
0 at 0,
w
w x ,
x y x
w A
, , w
w y ,
y
6 6

= = =


=
`

= = =

)
meets bc`s (one-termRayleigh method, two
or more-termRayleigh Ritz method)
cos sin
w A x y
x , , ,
6 6 6
=

, sin cos
w A x y
y , , ,
6 6 6
=

2 2
2 2
sin sin
w A x y
x , , ,
6 6 6
=

,
2 2
2 2
sin sin
w A x y
y , , ,
6 6 6
=

2 2
2
cos cos
w A x y
x y , , ,
6 6 6
=


Substituting the above derivatives into Eq. (6-28), leads to
x
0
N
0
1
2
N
3
,

S.S.
S.S.
S.S.
S.S.
0
3
1
2
x
y
N N
,
+
=

' '

y
,
2
3
,
48
)
2 2
4 2
2 2
4
0 0
2 2
2sin sin
2 sin sin
2
2 1 cos cos
, ,
x y
, ,
D A x y
U dxdy
, , ,
x y
, ,
6 6
6 6 6

6 6

= +



+

|


Making use oI the Iollowing deIinite integrals, the strain energy becomes
2 2
0 0
0 0
sin , cos
2 2
,
sin 0, cos 0
x x
dx dx
x x
dx dx
- -
- -
.6 - .6 -
- -
- .
.6 .6
- -

= =

= =

)


any integer
4 2
2
2
D A
U
,
6
=
The loss oI potential energy oI externally applied load due to shortening oI the plate element is
)
2 2
0 0 0
1
2 2
, , ,
x
x
N w w
dJ N dy dx J dy dx
x x

+ +
= =



' ' ' '

|


2 2 2 2
2 2 2 0
0 2
0 0 0
1 3 3
1 cos sin 1 sin
2 2 4 2
, , ,
A N y A x y y y
J N dy dx dy
, , , , , , ,
6 6 6 6 6 +
+ +
= =

' ' ' '
' '


From Maple

,
2 2
0
32
A N
J
6
=
2 2 4 2
0
2
2 32
N A D A
U J
,
6 6
6 = + =
2 4
0
2
0 0
16
N A d D A
dA ,
6 6 6
= = = , since 0 A
2
2
16
xc7
D
N
,
6
= an upper bound solution
49
This solution can be improved by assuming a Iour-term displacement Iunction as was done
beIore.
11 12 21 22
2 2 2 2
sin sin sin sin sin sin sin sin
x y x y x y x y
w A A A A
, , , , , , , ,
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
= + + +
Using Maple

, the strain energy stored is given by

)
4
2 2 2 2
11 12 21 22 2
4 25 25 64
8
D
U A A A A
,
6
= + + +
Using Maple

, the loss oI potential energy oI the applied load is

2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2
11 12 21 22 11 12 21 22
4 16
2 16 16 4 4 3 3
N
J A A A A A A A A
6 6 6 6 +
= + + + + +

' '

)
4
2 2 2 2
11 12 21 22 2
2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2
11 12 21 22 11 12 21 22
4 25 25 64
8
4 16

2 16 16 4 4 3 3
D
U J A A A A
,
N
A A A A A A A A
6
6
6 6 6 6
= + = + + +
+
+ + + + +

' '

4 2
11 12 2
11
2
0
16 3
D N N
A A
A ,
6 6 6 +
= =

' '

4 2
11 12 2
12
2 25
0
3 4 16
N D N
A A
A ,
6 6 6 +
= + =

' '

4 2
21 22 2
21
25 8
0
4 4 3
D N N
A A
A ,
6 6 6 +
= =

' '

4 2
21 22 2
22
8 16
0
3 4
D N
A A
A ,
6 6 6 +
= + =

' '

50
4 2
2
4 2
2
4 2
2
4 2
2
2
0 0
16 3
2 25
0 0
3 4 16
0
25 8
0 0
4 4 3
8 16
0 0
3 4
D N N
,
N D N
,
D N N
,
N D N
,
6 6
6 6
6 6
6 6


=



Expanding, gives
)
)
2 8 4 2 4 2
2 8 6 2 4 4 2
14400 801 1015
14400 1044 9 1024 0
D D , N , N
D D, N , N
6 6
6 6 6
+ +

+ =
|

The solution oI the bracket expression, yields
2 2
2 2 2
133.516 13.528 16
cI
c7
D D D
N
, , ,
6 6 +
=

' '

Consider a two-term displacement Iunction such that
2
sin sin sin sin
x y x y
w A B
, , , ,
6 6 6 6
= +
The critical load computed Irom the assumed displacement Iunction yields exactly the same
value as that obtained Irom a Iour-term Iunction as shown in the Maple

printout. This indicates

that the square plate buckles in a mode shape having a halI sine wave with respect to the x axis
and a Iull sine wave with respect to the y axis.
Galerkin`s Method
It has been shown that Galerkin`s method is another approximate method available when the
governing diIIerential equation Ior the problem is available. In this case, the governing
diIIerential equation oI the problem is
51
4 4 4 2
4 2 2 4 2
2 0
x
w w w w
D N
x x y y x
+
+ + + =


' '

Assume an approximate displacement Iunction such that
) , sin sin with i1
,pp74x
x y
w c x y c
, ,
6 6
= = and )
1
,
3

c x y
=
=

The diIIerential operator is

4 4 4 2
4 2 2 4 2
2
x
Q D D N
x x y y x
+
= + + +


' ' |

The Galerkin equation becomes
)
0 0
0
, ,
Q dxdy 0 =


Since is a Iunction oI 3 parameters,

c ,
1 2 1 1 2 2
1 1 2
. . . .
3

c c c c c
c c

0 0 0 0 0 0
=

= + + = + + =



) )
0 0
1
, 0
3
, ,

Q x y c dxdy 0
=
=

Since it has been assumed that ) ,

x y are assumed independent oI each other, the only way to

hold the above equation is that each integral oI the above equation mush vanish, i.e.,
) )
0 0
, 0 Ior 1,2, . . ,
, ,

Q x y c dxdy 3 0 =


Since

c are arbitrary, hence 0

c 0 .
) )
0 0
, 0 Ior 1,2, . . ,
, ,

Q x y dxdy 3 =


4 2
0
0 0
3
4 sin sin 1 sin sin sin sin
2
, ,
x y y x y x y
cD cN dxdy
, , , , , , , , ,
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

+ + +

, `
' ' ' ' ' '

| | )


52
4 2 2
2 4
0
0 2
4 0
2 2 8 16
N , , , D
cD c N c
, , ,
6 6 6 6 +
+ + + + +
= = =

' ' ' ' ' ' ' '' '
' '

2
2
16
the same result as beIore Ior one-term displacement Iunction
c7
D
N
,
6
=
Problems 6.5 and 6.6, Chajes
Using the energy method, determine the critical load Ior the one-degree-oI-Ireedom model oI a
Ilat plate shown in Fig. 6-26. The model consists oI Iour rigid bars pin connected to each other
and to the supports. At the center oI the model two linear rotational springs oI stiIIness
/ C M 7 = connect opposite bars to each other. Also, each oI the two transverse bars contains a
linear extensional springs oI stiIIness K. For small lateral deIlections the energy in the
extensional springs can be neglected. ( 4 /
c7
P C , = )



Fig. 6-26


Using the same model, obtain and plot relationships Ior the load P versus the lateral deIlection d
when
(a) the lateral deIlection is large,
53
(b) the lateral deIlection is large and the loads are applied eccentrically to the plane oI the
undeIormed model.
Which Iundamental buckling characteristics oI an actual plate are demonstrated by these models?
(Note Ior large deIlections the energy in the extensional springs must be considered.)