Buckling analysis of laminated plate structures with elastic edges using a novel semi-analytical finite strip method

A novel semi-analytical finite strip method is presented for buckling analysis of composite plate structures with boundary edges elastically supported. A set of unique Fourier series functions is introduced to represent the longitudinal variation of deflection along a strip, and they are capable of handling elastic edges with translational and rotational spring supports. The proposed hybrid method overcomes limitation of classical finite strip method only capable of handling simple end boundary conditions of structures, and it avoids the ill-conditioning when a set of standard Fourier series functions is used for buckling analysis. Accuracy and validity of the proposed method are demonstrated by the convergence and comparative studies in comparison with the numerical finite element method. As an example, the present method is applied to buckling analysis of a composite Z-stiffened panel under pure shear, and its capability and efficiency of treating different edge conditions in the panel skin and stiffeners are illustrated.