Buckling analysis of plates using an efficient sinusoidal shear deformation theory

Mechanical buckling response of isotropic and orthotropic plates using the two variable refined plate theory is presented in this paper. The theory takes  account of transverse shear effects and parabolic distribution of the transverse shear strains through the thickness of the plate; hence it is unnecessary  to use shear correction factors. Governing equations are derived from the principle of virtual displacements. The nonlinear strain-displacement of Von  Karman relations are also taken into consideration. The closed-form solution of a simply supported rectangular plate subjected to in-plane loading has  been obtained by using the Navier method. Numerical results are presented for the present efficient sinusoidal shear deformation theory, demonstrating  its importance and accuracy in comparison to other theories.