Finite element buckling analysis of stiffened plates

An isoparametric stiffened plate bending element for the buckling analysis of stiffened plates has been presented. In the present approach, the stiffener can be positioned anywhere within the plate element and need not necessarily be placed on the nodal lines. The element, being isoparametric quadratic, can readily accommodate curved boundaries, laminated materials and transverse shear deformation. The formulation is applicable to thin as well as thick plates. The buckling loads for various rectangular and skew stiffened plates with varying skew angles and stiffness parameters have been indicated. The results show good agreement with those published.