A robust methodology for the simulation of postbuckling response of composite plates

Abstract

The application of a robust numerical method, namely the differential quadrature method (DQM) for the analysis of buckling and postbuckling of laminated composite plates is introduced. The method is combined with an arc-length strategy to solve the resulting system of nonlinear equations. The treatment accounts for the effect of large deformation by including the von Karman strains. Imperfections in the form of global deflection, conforming to the preferred buckling modes are introduced throughout the plate. Case studies are used to evaluate the geometrically nonlinear response of composite plates under the set conditions, and the results are compared with those obtained by finite element solution and the results obtained from a published literature.