Stability of variably thick orthotropic annular plates

Abstract

The paper deals with static and dynamic analysis of variably thick orthotropic annular plates subjected to in-plane periodic forces with respect to the time. A finite element method based on a sector element for axisymmetric and asymmetric dynamic stability problems is used. Numerical results refer to the study of two kinds of thickness variation. The constant thickness annular plate proves to be more resistive to buckling compared to a variable thickness plate. An annular plate thickened in the outward radial direction has a higher critical buckling load than an annular plate thinned in the same direction. The results obtained are in good agreement with other studies.