Buckling analysis of thick plates using refined trigonometric shear deformation theory

Abstract

In this paper, a refined trigonometric shear deformation plate theory is applied for the buckling analysis of thick isotropic square and rectangular plates. The theory involves only two unknowns, as against three in first order shear deformation theory and other higher order theories. The theory involves sinusoidal function in the in-plane displacement. The transverse displacement involves bending and shear components. Governing equations and boundary conditions of the theory are obtained using the principle of virtual work. A simply supported isotropic rectangular plate subjected to uniaxial and biaxial compression is considered for the detailed numerical study. Results of critical buckling load for simply supported isotropic rectangular plates are compared with those of other refined theories.