Stability of Edge-Reinforced Circular Plate

Many authors have concerned themselves with the problems of the stability of a circular plate under the action of axisymmetric in-plane edge loading. The edge of the plate was considered to be either simply supported, elastically restrained, or clamped but free to move in the direction of loading. These boundary conditions are however not always representative of those encountered in practice. The easiest way to obtain a restraint is by reinforcing the edge of the plate of a beam. Herein the stability of such a reinforced plate under the action of a uniform radial load is considered.