On the convergence of nonlinear plate solutions

In modern buildings, especially in commercial buildings, large glass panels are used as windows. Design of these glass panels is becoming important. Behavior of the thin glass panels is geometrically nonlinear. Thus, analysis needs iterative solution and the solution of nonlinear plate problems with elastic supports necessitates a complete displacement formulation. The authors think that it could be useful to share their experience gained from research on the solution of von Karman equations using lateral displacement and Airy stress function and complete displacement equations using lateral and in-plane displacements of the glass plates since, in the numerical Solution, their convergence looks interesting. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.