Abstract
Summary Three computer programmes have been written for the stability analysis of both isotropic and orthotropic, multi-plate structures in compression. The bases of these programmes are the exact and approximate Finite Strip methods. A considerable number of results for a range of multi-plate structures fabricated from both carbon fibre reinforced (orthotropic) and aluminium (isotropic) materials are presented in graphical form. These graphs serve to illustrate not only the influence of material orthotropy on the buckling response, but also the possible savings in weight that may be achieved by employing orthotropic materials in place of conventional isotropic materials.

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