Abstract
Buckling loads and modes of flat composite laminates were measured and compared with theory. Laminates were subjected to simply supported boundary conditions and biaxial loading. Displacements were measured both mechanically using dial gages and optically using shadow moiré. Predictions were obtained numerically using the Galerkin method. Buckling loads were measured during 49 tests. Overall, measurements confirmed expected trends. Buckling loads increased with an increase in transverse tensile loading as predicted. Measured buckling modes were also well predicted, including an observed increase in mode number with an increase in transverse tensile loading. Measured buckling loads were not as well predicted, and substantial error was encountered during individual tests. Discrepancies between measurement and prediction are reported in terms of the percentage error in prediction. The average and standard deviation in percentage error for 49 measurements was 1.6 percent ±15.4 percent. These discrepancies are thought to be due to specimen imperfections, difficulties in simulating truly “simply supported” boundary conditions and/or nonuniform loading of the composite panels.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Leissa, A.W., “Advances in Vibration, Buckling, and Post Buckling Studies on Composite Plates,”Composite Structures, Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Composite Structures, Applied Science Publishers, London, 312–334 (1981).
Leissa, A.W., “A Review of Laminated Composite Plate Buckling,”Appl. Mech. Rev.,40 575–591 (1987).
Whitney, J.M., Structural Analysis of Laminated Anisotropic Plates, Technomic, Lancaster, PA (1987).
Turvey, G.J. andMarshall, I.H., ed., Buckling and Postbuckling of Composite Plates, Chapman & Hall, New York (1995).
Harris, G.Z., “The Buckling and Post-buckling Behavior of Composite Plates Under Biaxial Loading,”Int. J. Mech. Sci.,17 (3),187–202 (1975).
Chai, G.B. andHoon, K.H., “Buckling of Generally Laminated Composite Plates,”Composites Sci. Tech.,45,125–133 (1992).
Narita, Y. andLeissa, A.W., “Buckling Studies for Simply Supported Symmetrically Laminated Rectangular Plates,”Int. J. Mech. Sci.,32 (11),909–924 (1990).
Chailleux, A., Hans, Y. andVerchery, G., “Experimental Study of the Buckling of Laminated Composite Columns and Plates,”Int. J. Mech. Sci.,17 (8),489–498 (1975).
Knutsson, L., “Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of the Buckling and Post-buckling of Flat CFRP Panels Subjected to Compression,” Aeronautical Research Institute of Sweden Technical Note FFA-TNHU-1934 (available as NTIS Report No. N79-18345) (1977).
Camarda, C.J., “Experimental Investigation of Graphite/Polyimide Sandwich Panels in Edgewise Compression,” NASA Technical Memorandum 81895 (available as NTIS Report No. N81-12173) (1980).
Chai, G.B., Banks, W.M., andRhodes, J., “An Experimental Study on Laminated Panels in Compression,”Composite Struct.,19 (1),67–87 (1991).
Hatcher, D. andTuttle, M., “Measurement of the Critical Buckling Loads and Mode Shapes of Composite Panels Using Holographic Interferometry,”Recent Advances in Structural Mechanics, ed. H.H. Chung andY.W. Kwon,PVP-225/NE-7,American Society of Mechanical Engineers,New York,21–26 (1991).
Kim, Y.S. andHoa, S.V., “Bi-axial Buckling Behavior of Composite Rectangular Plates,”Composite Struct.,31,247–252 (1995).
Spencer, H.H. andWalker, A.C., “Critique of Southwell Plots with Proposals for Alternate Methods,” EXPERIMENTAL MECHANICS,15 (8),303–310 (1975).
Souza, M.A., Fok, W.C., andWalker, A.C., “Review of Experimental Techniques for Thin-walled Structures Liable to Buckling: Part I. Neutral and Unstable Buckling,”Exp. Tech.,7 (9),21–25 (1983).
Souza, M.A., Fok, W.C., andWalker, A.C., “Review of Experimental Techniques for Thin-walled Structures Liable to Buckling: Part II. Stable Buckling,”Exp. Tech.,7 (10),36–39 (1983).
Mujumdar, P.M. andSuryanaryan, S., “Nondestructive Techniques for Prediction of Buckling Loads—A Review,”J. Aerospace Soc. India,41,205–223 (1989).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Tuttle, M., Singhatanadgid, P. & Hinds, G. Buckling of composite panels subjected to biaxial loading. Experimental Mechanics 39, 191–201 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02323552
Received:
Revised:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02323552