This research will study the buckling loads and buckled states of nonlinearly elastic non-isotropic circular plates when subjected to a uniform pressure on their edge. Numerical methods for these highly singular problems will be designed and analysed using continuation methods and numerical bifurcation theory. The work should clarify the nature of singularities present in the linear theory of non-isotropic structures. This research will lead to improvements in the understanding and technology of buckling of nonlinearly elastic non-isentropic plates. Non-isotropic structures have applications in the casting of metals and in the manufacture of composite materials.
