Numerical analysis of local instabilities in elastic and elasto-plastic prismatic plate assemblies

Abstract

Abstract The finite element approach is used in this paper to analyze local instabilities in certain prismatic plate assemblies. Eigenvalue analysis is used to find the critical load factors and the corresponding buckling mode shapes. The stiffness matrices are written out in terms of the unknown buckling half-wavelength L and the critical stresses computed are minimized with respect to this parameter. In the case of inelastic material both the flow and deformation theories of plasticity are thoroughly reviewed when applied to the problem considered. A number of numerical illustrations is discussed.