On plastic buckling predictions

The discrepancy between the predictions of flow and deformation theories is investigated. The sensitivity of flow theory analysis to the interaction of multiaxial stresses in the pre-buckling state is reviewed. The predictions of the two theories are further examined based on critical strains at buckling, similar to the sheet metal forming limit curves. The extent to which the material nonlinearity of plastic flow is reflected in critical strains is also discussed for a variety of circumstances.