Numerical Buckling Analysis of Plate Assemblies

Determination of the critical stress parameters for local buckling of a plate assembly, such as a cold-formed structural profile or a folded plate structuree, involves the solution of an eigenvalue problem of a family of linear partial differential equations. Excepting a few classical cases, numerical methods are required for solution. For the common practical case that the properties are constant in one direction of the plate, a separation of variables method is given which reduces the problem to a one-dimensional iteration and quadratures. Proof of convergence is given. A modification of Newmark's method for buckling analysis is indicated. Examples show rapid convergence, good accuracy, and suitability for manual computation.