Post-buckling range of plates in axial compression with uncertain initial geometric imperfections
The method of reliable solutions alias the worst scenario method is applied to the problem of von Kármán equations with uncertain initial deflection. Assuming two-mode initial and total deflections and using Galerkin approximations, the analysis leads to a system of two nonlinear algebraic equations with one or two uncertain parameters-amplitudes of initial deflections. Numerical examples involve (i) minimization of lower buckling loads and (ii) maximization of the maximal mean reduced stress.