Post-buckling of linearly tapered,moderately thick circular plates by finite element method

The post-buckling behaviour of linearly tapered, moderately thick circular plates subjected to an external compressive load is studied in this paper through a finite element formulation. The results in the form of an empirical formula for the radial load ratios are presented for various values of the taper parameter and central thickness to radius ratio. Both simply supported and clamped boundary conditions are considered in the present study.