Linear, nonlinear and post buckling analysis of a stiffened panel with cutouts

Abstract

Stiffeners are typically used to strengthen structures that rely on plates for load bearing. Such structures are subjected to various kinds of in-plane and out-of-plane loading over its lifespan. Furthermore, cutouts in aerospace structures are considered for practical and design reasons. In the present paper, finite element method is used for the analysis of a flat rectangular stiffened plate. Static analysis is performed on three panels with different stiffener cross sections (I section, hat section and rectangular section), and the panel with the least deformation and stress is chosen for further buckling analysis. Linear, non-linear and post buckling analysis of the selected stiffened panel under in-plane compression is carried out and its load and end – shortening response is evaluated till collapse. Furthermore, the effect of rectangular and circular central cutouts on the buckling behaviour of the stiffened panel is investigated. By varying the dimensions of the cutouts, a parametric study on buckling and ultimate collapse strength is performed. The study takes into account an aluminium alloy with isotropic material properties and a carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) with orthotropic material properties.