Scale effects in buckling, postbuckling, and crippling of graphite-epoxy Z-section stiffeners

Thesis/Dissertation · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:7164385

Wieland, T M

Scale-model testing improves the cost-effectiveness of composite structures by reducing reliance on full size component testing. Validation of the scalability of responses was performed using graphite-epoxy laminated composite Z-section stiffeners under compressive loading. A mechanistic approach to scaling was used, in which scalability was evaluated relative to governing mechanics models. This permitted determination of the scalability and the parametric sensitivity of the scalability and the parametric sensitivity of the responses. A linked-plate analytical model was developed for initial local buckling. The buckling and postbuckling responses were also predicted using finite elements. An experimental program involving 52 specimens of 17 basic geometrical configurations and 3 stacking sequences was completed. The responses were largely determined by the flange-to-web width ratio and both the absolute and relative values of the bending stiffnesses. Buckling loads increased with decreasing flange width, and increasing flange-to-web corner radii and laminate thickness.

• Research Organization: Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg, VA (United States)
• OSTI ID: 7164385
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360603* -- Materials-- Properties
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
990200 -- Mathematics & Computers
BENDING
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
DEFORMATION
FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
FLEXURAL STRENGTH
MATERIALS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
MECHANICS
NUMERICAL SOLUTION
SCALE MODELS
STRUCTURAL MODELS