Chapter 3: Buckling & Free vibration of plates

Bending of Plates under the Combined Action of Lateral

Loads and Forces in the Middle plane of the Plate.

x
Ny
N yx
N xy ⎛ ∂N x ⎞
⎜ x
N + dx ⎟
⎝ ∂x ⎠
Nx ⎛ ∂N xy ⎞
⎜ N xy + dx ⎟
⎝ ∂x ⎠
⎛ ∂N y ⎞ ⎛ ∂N yx ⎞
⎜ y
N + dy ⎟ ⎜ N yx + dy ⎟
∂ ⎝ ∂y ⎠
y ⎝ y ⎠

Positive directions of stress

In-plane Stress-Resultants:
h h
2 2
N x = ∫ σ x dA = ∫ σ x dξ
h h
− −
2 2

σx
h h
2 2
N y = ∫ σ y dA = ∫ σ y dξ
ξ τ xy h h
− −
2 2
h
τ yx 2
N xy = ∫ τ xy dξ = N yx
dξ σy −
h
2

Chapter 3 Page 1 of 22
Equilibrium conditions in the middle plane
∂N x ∂N yx
∑ Fx = 0 + =0
∂x ∂y
(97)
∂N y ∂N xy
+ =0
∂y ∂x

Eqn (97) is independent of the bending of the plate. In the present

consideration we assume that all in-plane stress resultants are
known and their displacements are not affected by the bending of
the plate and eqn (97) is independent of the equilibrium equations
for bending and can be treated separately. However, in considering
buckling problems the influence of Nx, Ny and Nxy on ΣFz = 0 must
be taken into account.
Thus,
x
Nx

∂w
∂x

∂w ∂ ⎛ ∂w ⎞
∂N x + ⎜ ⎟ dx
y Nx + dx ∂x ∂x ⎝ ∂x ⎠
∂x

Chapter 3 Page 2 of 22
The contribution of Nx to ΣFz is therefore,

⎛ ∂N x ⎞ ⎛ ∂w ∂ 2 w ⎞ ∂w
⎜ Nx + dx ⎟ dy ⎜ + 2 dx ⎟ − N x dy
⎝ ∂x ⎠ ⎜⎝ ∂x ∂x ⎟
⎠ ∂x

Neglecting the higher order terms we have

⎛ ∂ 2 w ∂N x ∂w ⎞
⎜⎜ N x 2 + ⎟⎟ dxdy
⎝ ∂x ∂x ∂x ⎠

Similarly the contribution of Ny to ΣFz is

⎛ ∂ 2 w ∂N y ∂w ⎞
⎜⎜ N y 2 + ⎟⎟ dxdy
⎝ ∂y ∂y ∂y ⎠

x
N yx
∂w
∂x

∂w ∂ ⎛ ∂w ⎞
+ ⎜ ⎟ dy
∂x ∂y ⎝ ∂x ⎠
y
⎛ ∂N yx ⎞
⎜ yx
N + dy ⎟
⎝ ∂y ⎠
The contribution of Nyx to ΣFz is
⎛ ∂N yx ⎞ ⎛ ∂w ∂ 2 w ⎞ ∂w
⎜ N yx + dy ⎟ dx ⎜
⎜
+ dy ⎟ − N yx
⎟
dx
⎝ ∂y ⎠ ⎝ ∂x ∂x∂y ⎠ ∂x

Chapter 3 Page 3 of 22
Neglecting the higher order terms, we get
⎛ ∂ 2 w ∂N yx ∂w ⎞
⎜⎜ N yx + ⎟⎟ dxdy
⎝ ∂x ∂y ∂y ∂x ⎠
Similarly, the contribution of Nxy to ΣFz is
⎛ ∂ 2 w ∂N xy ∂w ⎞
⎜⎜ N xy + ⎟⎟ dxdy
⎝ ∂x∂y ∂x ∂y ⎠

The total contributions to ΣFz of the in-plane stress resultants are

⎡ ∂2w ∂2w ∂ 2 w ⎛ ∂N x ∂N yx ⎞ ∂w
⎢ N x 2 + N y 2 + 2 N xy +⎜ + ⎟
⎣ ∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y ⎝ ∂x ∂y ⎠ ∂x
⎛ ∂N y ∂N xy ⎞ ∂w ⎤
+⎜ + ⎟ ⎥ dxdy
⎝ ∂y ∂x ⎠ ∂y ⎦

By Eqn 97, we have,

∂2w ∂2w ∂2w
N x 2 + N y 2 + 2 N xy
∂x ∂y ∂x∂y

Chapter 3 Page 4 of 22
 x
Qy
Qx

⎛ ∂Qx ⎞
⎜ x
Q + dx ⎟
⎝ ∂x ⎠
y ⎛ ∂Q y ⎞
⎜ y
Q + dy ⎟
⎝ ∂y ⎠
The contribution to ΣFz of the transverse forces is
∂Qx ∂Qy
q dxdy + dxdy + dxdy
∂x ∂y
We have ΣFz = 0
∂Qx ∂Q y ∂2w ∂2w ∂2w
∴ + + q + N x 2 + N y 2 + 2 N xy =0
∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y ∂x∂y
But we have
∂ 2
Qx = − D ∇ w
∂x
∂
Qy = − D ∇ 2 w
∂y
Therefore we have,

1⎡ ∂2w ∂2w ∂2w ⎤

∇ w = ⎢ q + N x 2 + N y 2 + 2 N xy
4
⎥ (98)
D⎣ ∂x ∂y ∂x∂y ⎦

Chapter 3 Page 5 of 22
 Unknowns Equations

8 Stress resultants 5 Equilibrium Equation

Mx, My, Mxy, Qx, Qy ΣFx = 0, ΣFy = 0, ΣFz = 0
Nx, Ny, Nxy ΣMx = 0, ΣMy = 0

6 Strain components 6 Stress-strain Relation

εx, εy, γxy Nx, Ny, Nxy ∼ εx, εy, γxy

3 displacement 6 Strain-displacement relations:

u, v, w
εx, εy, γxy ∼ u, v

Σ 17 Unknowns 17 Equations

Chapter 3 Page 6 of 22
Simply Supported Rectangular Plates under Combined
Action of Uniform Transverse Load and Uniform
Compression

a
x

b q(x,y)=qo p

For this problem the governing equation (98) becomes,

∂2w
D∇ w + p4
= qo (99)
∂x 2

∞ ∞ mπ x nπ y
Let w(x,y)= ∑ ∑ wmn sin sin (100)
m =1,3,5... n =1,3,5... a b
(m = 1,3,5… ; n = 1,3,5… because of the double symmetry)

Expanding qo in the double series form we have

16qo ∞ ∞ 1 mπ x nπ y
q ( x , y ) = qo = ∑ ∑ sin sin (101)
π2 m =1,3,5... n =1,3,5... mn a b

Chapter 3 Page 7 of 22
Substituting (100) and (101) into (99) leads to
⎡ ⎧⎛ 2 2 ⎞2 ⎫⎤
∞ ∞
⎢ ⎪ m n m 2π 2 ⎪⎥ mπ x nπ y
∑ ∑ wmn ⎨⎜⎜ 2 + 2 ⎟⎟ π D − p 2 ⎬ sin
4
sin
m =1,3,5... n =1,3,5... ⎢ ⎪⎝ a b ⎠ a ⎪⎥ a b
⎣ ⎩ ⎭ ⎦

16qo ∞ ∞ 1 mπ x nπ y
= ∑ ∑ sin sin
π2 m =1,3,5... n =1,3,5... mn a b

16qo
∴ wmn =
⎡⎛ 2 2 ⎞2 2 ⎤
m n pm
Dπ mn ⎢⎜ 2 + 2 ⎟ − 2 2 ⎥
6
⎢⎝ a b ⎠ π Da ⎥
⎣ ⎦
for which eqn(100) becomes,
mπ x nπ y
∞ ∞ sin sin
16qo a b
w(x,y)= ∑ ∑ (102)
π 6 D m=1,3,5... n =1,3,5... ⎡⎛ 2 2 ⎞2 2 ⎤
m n pm
mn ⎢⎜ 2 + 2 ⎟ − 2 2 ⎥
⎢⎝ a b ⎠ π Da ⎥
⎣ ⎦
If p were tensile, p in (102) should be replaced by –p and hence we
get
mπ x nπ y
∞ ∞ sin sin
16qo a b
w(x,y)= ∑ ∑ (103)
π D m=1,3,5... n =1,3,5... ⎡⎛ m2 n 2 ⎞2
6
pm 2 ⎤
mn ⎢⎜ 2 + 2 ⎟ + 2 2 ⎥
⎢⎝ a b ⎠ π Da ⎥
⎣ ⎦

Chapter 3 Page 8 of 22
Comparing Eqn(103) with Eqn(32) it can be observed that the
m2
presence of the term p in the bracket of the denominator
π 2a2 D
somewhat diminishes the deflection. This shows that the plate
under lateral load becomes stiff due to the presence of tensile in-
plane force as expected.

For buckling to occur, observe that w→∞ when the quantity in the
bracket in (102) vanishes.
2
⎛ m2 n2 ⎞ pm2
i.e. ⎜⎜ 2 + 2 ⎟⎟ − 2 2 = 0
⎝a b ⎠ π Da
2
2 a ⎛m n2 ⎞
2 2
for which pcr = π D 2 ⎜ 2 + 2 ⎟
m ⎜⎝ a b ⎟⎠

Chapter 3 Page 9 of 22
Free Vibration of Plates
Plates can be subjected to dynamic as well as static forces. A
dynamic force is a function of time, represented by q(x, y, t). The
response of a plate subjected to dynamic forces depends on its
natural frequencies. Hence it is important to calculate the natural
frequencies of a plate. A plate represented by CPT is a continuous
system (as opposed to discrete systems like Finite Element
Models) and has an infinite number of natural frequencies.
However from the practical point of view, we are mainly
concerned with the lowest frequencies.

Natural frequency and free vibration

Vibration in the absence of external forces is called “free
vibration”. This is caused by initial conditions such as initial
displacement, initial velocity etc. Then the body vibrates at its
natural frequency “ωn”. Due to the presence of damping, the
vibration will decrease with time. The damped natural frequency is
slightly different from ωn. However damping is neglected from
calculations of ωn.

Chapter 3 Page 10 of 22
Illustration using Spring-mass System
Consider a spring mass system as shown in Fig. 1

k kx

m d 2x
x(t) m
dt 2
Fig.1

If this system is set in motion by initial conditions and left

undisturbed, then the spring force (k•x) balances the inertia force
d 2x
m• 2
in the absence of damping.
dt
d 2x
m• +k•x=0 (1)
dt 2
d 2x k
+ •x=0 (2)
dt 2 m
k
putting λ = ; the solution to this equation is:
m
x(t ) = A sin ω nt + B cos ω n t (3)
k
(ω n 2 = λ = )
m

Chapter 3 Page 11 of 22
Looking at Equation (2) and (3), a non-trivial value of x(t) can
satisfy both only at certain values of λ(or ωn). These values of ωn
are the natural frequencies of the system.
k
The spring-mass system has one frequency, ω1 =
m

Plate Dynamics
Consider a plate subjected to a transverse dynamic load q(x, y, t).
If ρ is the mass per unit area of the plate, then the inertia force on

∂2w
the plate is ρ • [where “w” the displacement is a function
∂t 2

w(x, y, t) ].
The inertia forces oppose the applied force, so,
∂2w
D•∇ w = q − ρ •
4
(5)
∂t 2
For free vibration, there are no external forces. So setting q = 0;
∂2w
D•∇ w+ ρ •
4
=0 (6)
∂t 2

The above equation when solved gives values of λ and ωn. The
non-trivial solution of w(x, y) that match each “ωn” is the
mode-shape (the deflected shape) of that frequency.

Chapter 3 Page 12 of 22
Formulation for Natural Frequencies
x

y
b

Fig.2

Consider a square plate of dimension a×b.

The plate equation is:
∂2w
D•∇ w+ ρ •
4
=0 (6)
∂t 2

When a plate vibrates at its natural frequency, it executes harmonic

motion. The displacement of such a system can be represented as,
say, A•sin(ωt +φ) where “A” is the amplitude and sin(ωt +φ), a
time function. Hence we can represent w(x, y, t) as:
w( x, y, t ) = w( x, y ) • T (t ) (7)
Substituting (7) in (6);

∂ 2T
T • D • ∇ w + ρ&& • w •
4
=0 (8)
∂t 2

Chapter 3 Page 13 of 22
 D ∇4 w T&&
giving = − = a constant(λ ) (9)
ρ w T

⎡T&& = ∂ 2T ⎤
⎢⎣ ∂t ⎦⎥
2

The constant “λ” is the only explanation to satisfy the condition

∇4 w T&&
that ratios of independent variables [i.e. and ] are found
w T
equal.

Equation (9) gives:

D • ∇4 w − ρ • λ w = 0 (10)

T&& + λ • T = 0 (11)

x + λ • x = 0 (Eqn 2) and we see it

Equation (11) is similar to &&
represents the natural frequencies ωn. This means that a non trivial
value of w(x, y) will satisfy (10) only for certain values of
λ (or ωn).

Chapter 3 Page 14 of 22
Solution by Naviers Method
Find the natural frequencies of a simply supported plate of
dimensions a×b.

Answer:
D • ∇4 w − ρ • λ w = 0 (plate equation)
∞ ∞ mπ x nπ y
Assume w(x,y)= ∑ ∑ wmn sin sin (12)
m =1 n =1 a b
Substitute (12) in plate equation:
⎧⎪ ⎡⎛ mπ ⎞4 ⎛ mπ ⎞ ⎛ nπ ⎞ ⎛ nπ ⎞ ⎤
2 2 4 ⎫⎪
∑∑ ⎨ D ⎢⎜ ⎟ + 2⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ + ⎜ ⎟ ⎥ − ρ • λ⎬
m n ⎩⎪ ⎢⎣ ⎝ a ⎠ ⎝ a ⎠ ⎝ b ⎠ ⎝ b ⎠ ⎥⎦ ⎭⎪
mπ x nπ y
×wmn sin sin =0 (13)
a b

mπ x nπ y
Since wmn ≠ 0( it is a fourier coefficient) and sin sin ≠0
a b
for all x and y; it means that the bracketed term of Eqn 13 must be
zero.
2
⎡⎛ mπ ⎞2 ⎛ nπ ⎞2 ⎤
D ⎢⎜ ⎟ +⎜ ⎟ ⎥ − ρ •λ = 0 (14)
⎢⎣ ⎝ a ⎠ ⎝ b ⎠ ⎥⎦

D ⎡⎛ mπ ⎞ ⎛ nπ ⎞ ⎤
2 2
ωn = λ = • ⎢⎜ ⎟ +⎜ ⎟ ⎥ (15)
ρ ⎣⎢⎝ a ⎠ ⎝ b ⎠ ⎦⎥

Chapter 3 Page 15 of 22
So, lowest natural frequency, ω1, is
D ⎡1 1⎤
ω1 = •π
2
• +
⎢⎣ a 2 b 2 ⎥⎦ (m=1; n=1)
ρ
next highest, ω2, (assuming b < a)
D ⎡4 1⎤
ω2 = •π
2
• +
⎢⎣ a 2 b2 ⎥⎦ (m=2; n=1)
ρ

For each value of ωn or λ, we can find the mode shape, substituting

m and n.
mπ x nπ y
w( x, y ) = wmn sin sin (16)
a b

wmn has no absolute value, as there is no applied load q(x, y, t). So

it is taken only as unity. So the mode shape has only “shape”
mπ x nπ y
specified by sin sin and no absolute value of amplitude
a b
until an external force is defined.

Chapter 3 Page 16 of 22
Natural Frequency using Levy’s Method
a

CLAMPED
b
2
x

b
2
CLAMPED

Fig.3

Using Levy’s method calculate the natural frequencies of the

clamped/simply supported plate shown above.

Let w( x, y, t ) = w( x, y ) • T (t )
Also, as per Levy’s method;
w = w1 + w2; where w1 is the component
due to q(x, y, t) which is zero. So w = w2.
mπ x
w = ∑ wm • sin (17)
y

Chapter 3 Page 17 of 22
Substitute (17) in the plate vibration equation D∇ 4 w − ρ • λ w = 0 .
We obtain;
⎧⎪ ⎡ ∂ 4 w ⎛ mπ ⎞ ∂ wm ⎛ mπ ⎞
2 2 4 ⎤ ⎫⎪ mπ x
∑ D ⎨⎢ 4 − 2 ⎜ +⎜ ⎟ wm ⎥ − ρ • λ wm ⎬ sin =0
m
⎟
⎩⎪ ⎢⎣ ∂x ⎝ a ⎠ ∂y 2
⎝ a ⎠ ⎥⎦ ⎭⎪
a
(18)
The term in bracket has to be zero;

⎛ mπ ⎞ ∂ wm ⎡⎛ mπ ⎞ ρλ ⎤
2 2 4
∂ 4 wm
− 2⎜ ⎟ + ⎢⎜ ⎟ − ⎥ wm = 0 (19)
∂x 4 ⎝ a ⎠ ∂y 2
⎢⎣⎝ a ⎠ D ⎥⎦

Write the characteristic equation for this, using γ, as usually done

in Levy’s method.

⎛ mπ ⎞ 2 ⎛ mπ ⎞ ρλ
2 4
γ − 2⎜
4
⎟ γ +⎜ ⎟ − =0 (20)
⎝ a ⎠ ⎝ a ⎠ D
The solution to (19) is:
wm = Am cosh α y + Bm sinh α y + Cm cos β y + Dm sin β y (21)

where the roots of equation (20) are given by

⎛ mπ ⎞
2
⎛ mπ ⎞
4 ⎡⎛ mπ ⎞ 4 ρλ ⎤
2⎜ ⎟ ± 4•⎜ ⎟ − 4 * 1 * ⎢⎜ ⎟ − ⎥
⎝ a ⎠ ⎝ a ⎠ ⎢
⎣ ⎝ a ⎠ D ⎥⎦
γ2 =
2
γ = α, β
1 1
⎡ ρλ ⎛ mπ ⎞ 2 ⎤2 ⎡ ρλ ⎛ mπ ⎞ 2⎤2
α = ±⎢ +⎜ ⎟ ⎥ ; β = ±⎢ −⎜ ⎟ ⎥ (22)
⎣⎢ D ⎝ a ⎠ ⎥⎦ ⎣⎢ D ⎝ a ⎠ ⎥⎦

Chapter 3 Page 18 of 22
The constants Am, Bm, (m, Dm need to be calculated to obtain an
expression for wm).
The clamped edge conditions are:
wm = 0 y = b (a) wm = 0 y = − b (c)
2 2
∂wm ∂wm
=0 (b) =0 (d)
∂y y=b ∂y y =− b
2 2

Subjecting equation (21) to four B.C’s give:

αb αb βb βb
Am cosh + Bm sinh + Cm cos + Dm sin =0 (a)
2 2 2 2
αb αb βb βb
Am cosh − Bm sinh + Cm cos − Dm sin =0 (c)
2 2 2 2
αb αb βb βb
α Am sinh + α Bm cosh − β Cm sin + β Dm cos = 0 (b)
2 2 2 2
αb αb βb βb
−α Am sinh + α Bm cosh + β Cm sin + β Dm cos = 0 (d)
2 2 2 2

On close observation, equations (a) and (c) give

αb βb
Am cosh + Cm cos =0 (e)
2 2
αb βb
Bm sinh + Dm sin =0 (f)
2 2

Chapter 3 Page 19 of 22
Equations (b) and (d) give
αb βb
α Am sinh − β Cm sin
=0 (g)
2 2
αb βb
α Bm cosh − β Dm cos =0 (h)
2 2

Thus Am and Cm are coupled together [(e) and (g)]

Dm and Bm are coupled together [(f) and (h)]

This suggests there are two sets of frequencies, one set

symmetrical about y (involving cosh, α sinh α…..) and another set
antisymmetrical about y (involving sinh, α cosh α…..). The
values of ωn2 (i.e. λ) are calculated by the determinants

αb βb
cosh cos
2 2
=0 (i) (Symmetric nodes)
αb βb
α sinh − β sin
2 2

αb βb
sinh sin
2 2
=0 (j) (anti-symmetric nodes)
αb βb
α cosh β cos
2 2

Chapter 3 Page 20 of 22
The above determinants have to be solved for α and β. Note that

⎛ mπ ⎞
2
‘α’ and ‘β’ are related by Eq(22); α = β +2 ⎜ 2 2
⎟ ; hence we
⎝ a ⎠
can reduce it to one unknown. A numerical method has to be used
to find values of ‘βb’ which satisfies (i) and (j) from which ‘λ’ can

ρλ⎛ mπ ⎞
2
be calculated by β = 2
−⎜ ⎟ . Mode shapes are given by
D ⎝ a ⎠
mπ x
wm • sin .
a
We get increasing frequencies for m = 1, 2, 3 … etc.

Special case:
For square plate of a×a, the values of roots ‘βa’ for m = 1, 2 … are
βa = 4.368, 10.91, 17.24 …etc
D D D
ωn2 = 838.15 , 16665.7 , 94443.2 ...etc
ρa 4
ρa 4
ρa 4

Thus the natural frequency of clamped plate increases very fast

with “m”, meaning the second frequency is much higher than the
first and so on.

Chapter 3 Page 21 of 22
Chapter 3 Page 22 of 22