On proper applications of Galërkin’s approach in structural mechanics courses

• Published in: International journal of mechanical engineering education Vol. 50; no. 2; pp. 493 - 512
• Main Authors: Ruta, G, Elishakoff, I
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.04.2022; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Circular plates; Engineering education; Mechanical engineering; Mechanics (physics); Structural Elements (Construction); Structural members; Structural stability; axisymmetric plates; critical loads; Galërkin’s technique

An incautious use of the well-known Galërkin’s technique to find approximate solutions of a differential problem may lead to apparently wrong results. Examples are based on an inverse approach to investigate buckling of compressed axisymmetric circular plates, a subject that is common in courses on...