Axisymmetric Buckling of Variable Stiffness Composite Annular Circular Plates

Abstract:

A classical plate theory is used to derive governing differential equations of axisymmetric buckling of orthotropic annular circular thin plates with in plane variable stiffness. Assume that the stiffness of the annular circular plates vary along radial direction according to any continuous function. Critical buckling values of the annular circular plates with variable stiffness for elastically restrained edges are calculated by the method of weighted residuals. Numerical results obtained are in good agreement with those given in the existing literatures. Finally, the effect of elastically restrained edges, variable stiffness and other parameters on the buckling of the annular circular plates with variable stiffness is also shown. The results can provide a reference on the optimization design for annular circular thin plates with variable stiffness.

Key words:orthotropic materials; variable stiffness annular circular plates; buckling; elastically restrained edge; the method of weighted residuals