Approach to evaluation of critical static loads of annular three-layered plates with various core thickness

The evaluation of computational results of annular, three-layered plates with a soft foam core of different thickness under lateral compressive loads acting in facings planes has been conducted in this work. The values of critical static loads of plates and the forms of critical buckling corresponding with them have been the examined results of calculations. The calculations have been carried out using two approximation methods: finite difference method and finite element method. The solution to the problem of static stability of plates presented in both methods concerns the general problem of the loss of plate stability corresponding to possible circumferential wave forms of plate critical deformations. The plates with a thick core have been analysed in detail. Evaluating the results, it has been noted that the observed significant decrease in the critical static loads of plates with thick cores. This observation has been made by carrying out calculations with the he lp of the finite element method for plate models differing in the condition of the plate layers connection. The observed regions of good consistency and of essential differences of the results obtained using the assumed numerical methods for plates with middle and thick cores have been the main effect of the examinations. They seem to be practical importance in the modelling of plate structures.