Postbuckling of an elastic plate in a rigid channel (Q1067848)

The postbuckling of a thin, elastic plate in a frictional channel of rigid parallel walls is studied. Different modes of contact between the plate and the channel walls are identified and modelled using the theory of the elastica. Example results are presented which illustrate the sequence of deflections through which the postbuckled plate passes. Loading on the plate is also studied, and it is found that narrow channels arrest the initial buckling of the plate but permit a second stage of collapse at higher force levels. This work would have application to the design of automatic machinery for the handling of flexible elastic sheets such as film, cloth and paper.