The spectral method and numerical continuation algorithm for the von Kármán problem with postbuckling behaviour of solutions

In this paper a spectral method and a numerical continuation algorithm for solving eigenvalue problems for the rectangular von Kármán plate with different boundary conditions (simply supported, partially or totally clamped) and physical parameters are introduced. The solution of these problems has a postbuckling behaviour. The spectral method is based on a variational principle (Galerkin's approach) with a choice of global basis functions which are combinations of trigonometric functions. Convergence results of this method are proved and the rate of convergence is estimated. The discretized nonlinear model is treated by Newton's iterative scheme and numerical continuation. Branches of eigenfunctions found by the algorithm are traced. Numerical results of solving the problems for polygonal and ferroconcrete plates are presented.