Analysis of Elastic-Plastic Circular Plates

Based on the Kirchhoff’s hypothesis, a general bending analysis of circular plates for small deflection and axially symmetric loadings and support conditions is developed. The incremental theory of plasticity with von Mises yield condition and associated flow rule has been adopted. The material is assumed to be elastic-perfectly plastic. Finite element type of approach using direct stiffness method of matrix analysis of structures is used. Examples of simply supported and clamped circular plates are given. Other axisymmetric support conditions and material properties can be treated by the proposed method.