Non-linear axisymmetric static analysis of orthotropic thin annular plates

This investigation deals with the geometrically non-linear axisymmetric static analysis of elastic orthotropic thin annular plates subjected to uniformly distributed and ring loads. Non-linear differential equations in terms of the transverse displacement w and stress function ψ have been employed. Both w and ψ are expanded in finite power series and the orthogonal point collocation method has been used to obtain discretised algebraic equations from the governing differential equations. Results have been presented for annular plates with and without a rigid plug in the hole; simply supported, clamped and free outer edge conditions; three orthotropic parameters β; two annular ratios and two loading conditions. Results have also been presented illustrating the effect of an elastic rotational constraint at the edge and the effect of a prescribed inplane displacement of the edge.