Hencky bar-net model for plate buckling

•Paper introduces Hencky bar-net model for plate analysis for the first time.•New expressions of spring stiffnesses of Hencky bar-net model for all plate edges.•HBM is a physical structural model for finite difference model for plate analysis.•HBM solutions converge to continuum plate results when grid size becomes small.•Paper shows continuum plate model is a particular solution to more general HBM solution. This paper presents the Hencky bar-net model (HBM) for elastic buckling analysis of rectangular plates with any combination of edge conditions. HBM comprises a grid (or net) of rigid bar segments joined by rotational springs as well as a torsional spring system in each grid panel. The HBM is developed from the finite difference plate model that allows researchers to perform plate buckling analysis via solving a set of algebraic equations instead of solving a fourth order partial differential equation. The elastic spring stiffnesses for the HBM that provides the flexibility for deformation are established for the first time for elastic rotationally restrained edges and free edges. Some plate buckling problems were solved by using the developed HBM and the solutions shown to converge to those of the continuum plate counterparts when the grid size becomes very small; thereby verifying the validity of the model.