Postbuckling of orthotropic composite plates loaded in compression

The nonlinear large deflection equations of von Karman are written for 'specially' orthotropic plates. The equations are then manipulated to determine the parameters required to establish postbuckling behavior. It is found that only two new parameters are needed beyond those required for buckling. By assuming trigonometric functions in one direction, the plate equations are converted into ordinary nonlinear differential equations which are solved numerically using a two point boundary problem solver that makes use of Newton's method. The postbuckling behavior is obtained for simply supported and clamped, long, rectangular, orthotropic plates covering the complete range of dimensions and material properties.