A novel semi-analytical method for buckling analysis of stiffened laminated composite plates: Fid-Bau Portal

A novel semi-analytical method for buckling analysis of stiffened laminated composite plates

Huang, Sixin / Qiao, Pizhong

Abstract A novel semi-analytical method is presented for buckling analysis of stiffened laminated composite plates with rotationally-restrained edges and under compression and in-plane shear loading. The equivalent model with variable stiffness for stiffened plates is developed, and the Heaviside function is uniquely used to establish the variable stiffness of the stiffened plates along two orthogonal directions. The characteristic equation based on the governing equations of stiffened plates is solved by the Galerkin method. Buckling behavior of stiffened laminated composite plates is obtained and compared with those from both the real geometry and equivalent models by numerical finite element method. Accuracy of the present semi-analytical method is also verified by comparing its predictions with available solutions in literature. A parametric study is conducted to evaluate effects of stiffener geometry, load parameter, and edge rotationally-restrained spring stiffness on buckling behavior of stiffened plates. Finally, practical application of the present semi-analytical method is demonstrated, considering the cross-sectional geometries and material properties of stiffeners, number of stiffeners, and buckling behavior of stiffened plates.

Highlights • A novel semi-analytical method for buckling of doubly-stiffened laminated composite plates. • The equivalent model with variable stiffness for stiffened plates established with unique application of Heaviside function. • An accurate, versatile and effective method for buckling of stiffened plates.