Local and post local buckling of stepped and perforated thin plates

The nonlinear mathematical theory for initial and post local buckling analysis of plates of abruptly varying stiffness based on the principle of virtual work is established. The method is programmed, and several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the scope and efficacy of the procedure. Local buckling coefficients of perforated and stepped plates are obtained and the results are compared with known solutions. Post-buckling behaviour of perforated and stepped plates is studied for different geometries. The non-dimensional applied loads (P/Pcr), dimensionless lateral displacements and stress distribution of plates with varying stiffness in the post buckling region are given in several tables and graphs.