NACA-WRL-398

Abstract

The method of moment distribution, originally developed by hardy Cross (reference 1) as a convenient means of stress analysis, was extended (reference 2) to solve problems in the stability of bars under axial load. For efficient use of the method, tables of stiffness and carry-over factor for bars in tension and compression were prepared and published in reference 3. <br>The Usefulness of the method of moment distribution in dealing with problems in the stability of bar structures suggested that the method be extended to apply to problems in the stability of plate structures. As structures made up of thin plates increase in complexity, rigorous application of the classical theory for the buckling of thin plated becomes more and more cumbersome, and a more practicable method of dealing with such problems becomes desirable. By suitable extensions of the definitions of quantities as used in reference 2 in the method of moment distribution, the entire group of formulas and relation associated with this method may be retained intact for direct application to plate structures. <br>In order to apply the method of moment distribution to problems in the stability of plate structures, it is necessary to know the stiffness and the carry-over factor of a plate under compression, for various conditions of edge support and restraint. Tables of these quantities have been prepared and are presented in this report.