Buckling of Plates with Partially Loaded Edges

The initial buckling of the flat plates subjected to loads applied over the edges is presented. The method of analysis is specially suited to deal with complex loadings such as partially distributed loads over the edges. It thus allows a simple procedure for the parametric study of plates acted upon by complicated loadings, and also furnishes the designer with a means of calculating the critical loads in individual cases. The method is applied to the calculation of the critical loads for the case when a partial symmetrical load acting over a part of one edge is supported by shear stresses on the two adjacent edges. The results presented are likely to be of relevance to the design of the webs of fabricated deep girders.