Changes of wave-form of plates in the post-buckling range

Abstract The post-buckling behaviour of thin rectangular plates in axial compression is considered. The plates are considered as having two degrees of freedom characterized by buckling in m and n halfsinewaves axially and uncoupled and coupled buckling modes are established for specified boundary conditions. The results of the investigation together with results for different boundary conditions from other sources are used to explain abrupt changes in waveform of plates in the post-buckling range. The effects of initial geometric imperfections are included as a necessary part of the analysis.