Analyzing buckling mode interactions in elastic structures using an asymptotic approach: theory and experiments

This paper describes the theoretical basis of a computer program for analyzing the buckling and initial post-buckling behavior of prismatic plate structures. Post-buckling behavior is described in terms of the amplitudes of a limited number of skilfully chosen buckling modes. Experiments were carried out to validate the program. The rarely investigated problem of interaction between overall lateral-torsional buckling and local buckling was chosen as a test case.