Abstract :
A modified semi-analytical finite strip method of buckling analysis in which the usual restriction of two, opposite, simply supported ends is removed by assuming appropriate longitudinal functions is described. Two sets of basic functions (denoted I and II) are used in the buckling study and the accuracy of these basic functions is evaluated. It is shown that the use of so-called bubble functions singnificantly improves the convergence of the finite strip method for local buckling problems. The analytical procedure is used to investigate the local buckling behaviour of isotropic plates with different boundary conditions along all edges under both uniaxial and biaxial compression, and the buckling of stiffened plates under compression. The bubble formulation provides a powerful tool for the efficient analysis of a variety of local buckling problems.
