An Energy Solution to the Buckling of Rectangular Plates Under Non-Uniform In-Plane Loading

Abstract

Circumstances can arise in which a rectangular panel, forming part of a structure, is subject to non-uniform in-plane compression, and in which it is important that instability of the panel should not occur. Problems of this nature occur, for example, in the structure of modern highspeed aircraft subject to the transient thermal stresses that can arise from rapid changes of speed or altitude.