A differential quadrature procedure for three-dimensional buckling analysis of rectangular plates

This paper presents an application of the di}erential quadrature "DQ# method for three!dimensional buckling analysis of rectangular plates[ The governing equations of the plate model are _rst presented in terms of displacement\ stress displacement relationship\ and boundary conditions with three!dimensional ~exibility[ These equations are then normalised and discretised using the DQ procedure[ Example problems pertaining to the buckling of rectangular plates with generic boundary conditions are selected to illustrate the e.ciency and simplicity of implementing the DQ procedure[ The convergence characteristics of the method are _rst conducted based on numerical studies[ The DQ solutions are then compared\ where possiblewith exact or approximate solutions[ It is found that the di}erential quadrature method yields accurate results for the plate problems under the current investigation[ In addition to the above\ some parametric studies are carried out by varying the plates| aspect ratio\ boundary conditions and thickness to width ratio under axial and biaxial loading[