In this paper computational and analytical treatments of the buckling phenomenon in thin rectangular aluminum plate under residual stresses, which are produced by arc welding, are presented. The shape of the distribution of residual stresses over the width of the plate influences the buckling mode. It is also shown that the half-wave length can be an important factor to estimate the intensity and the type of residual membrane force distribution. Furthermore, it is found that the pre-tension force also affects the critical buckling force and the buckling mode.