Kármán-type equations for a higher-order shear deformation plate theory and its use in the thermal postbuckling analysis

Kármán-type nonlinear large deflection equations are derived according to the Reddy's higher-order shear deformation plate theory and used in the thermal postbuckling analysis. The effects of initial geometric imperfections of the plate are included in the present study which also includes the thermal effects. Simply supported, symmetric cross-ply laminated plates subjected to uniform or nonuniform parabolic temperature distribution are considered. The analysis uses a mixed Galerkinperturbation technique to determine thermal buckling loads and postbuckling equilibrium paths. The effects played by transverse shear deformation, plate aspect ratio, total number of plies, thermal load ratio and initial geometric imperfections are also studied.