Some approaches to buckling analysis of flexurally anisotropic composite plates, subjected to combined in-plane loading

• Conservative finite formulae for combined loading buckling are proposed.
• Galerkin-type approach is proposed based on buckling modes for separate loadings.
• The separate modes should correspond to both direct and opposite loading directions.
• Convergence rate of Galerkin-type approach is higher than for known Ritz approach.
• Combined loading buckling is defined by separate loading buckling results only.

Buckling of flexurally anisotropic composite plates under combined loading is considered. The purpose of the paper is to develop approaches for predicting buckling loads for the plates, basing on buckling analysis results for separate loadings. Theoretical aspects of the problem are explored. The derivatives of the buckling interaction curves are analytically derived. The finite predicting formulae are proposed. The Galerkin-type numerical method for combined loading buckling analysis is developed. The method is based on buckling modes of separate loadings. Numerical examples are discussed. Convergence of the method is shown. Influence of the flexural anisotropy on the buckling behavior is demonstrated.