| Abstract: | The average stress–strain curve for rectangular plates under uniaxial compression in ship hull structures is generated on the basis of the existing design formulae. The dual-term equation for ultimate strength of uniaxially compressed plates is employed to generate the average stress–strain curve for long plates. Two alternatives proposed by Faulkner and Frankland, respectively, are considered. An approximate method to take into account the effect of residual stresses is proposed. By investigating the variation of the stress distribution at different stages of compression, the average stress–strain relationship of the rectangular long plates with the effect of residual stresses is derived from equilibrium. The behaviors of the wide plates are also discussed. The assumption proposed by Valsgard for the idealized stress distribution of wide plates under uniaxial compression is adopted. The average stress–strain relationship for wide plates is derived from the existing design formulae. Two equations proposed by Hughes and recommended by API for critical stress of the central portion of the wide plate are considered. The effect of residual stresses is also taken into account for wide plates. |
