LINEAR ELASTIC BUCKLING OF PLATES SUBJECTED TO COMBINED LOADS

Abstract This paper presents a computer program for predicting the linear elastic buckling loads of plates with various loading and support conditions. The solution procedure approximates the governing differential equation by finite difference coefficients, uses these coefficients in a matrix and iteratively solves the matrix equations. The program runs within Microsoft Windows and provides graphical two and three-dimensional results of the buckled plate in addition to the plate buckling coefficient and buckling load. These results compare favorably to those listed in the reference. The program is written in C and can be easily modified to accommodate additional loading and support conditions.