Deducing Buckling Loads of Sectorial Mindlin Plates from Kirchhoff Plates

Abstract

This study presents a relationship between the buckling loads of sectorial plates based on the Kirchhoff (or classical thin) plate theory and the Mindlin plate theory. Whereas the former plate theory neglects the effect of transverse shear deformation, the latter plate theory allows for it. This effect becomes significant when dealing with moderately thick plates and sandwich plates. The relationship allows easy and accurate deduction of the buckling loads of the Mindlin plates from their corresponding Kirchhoff solutions.