| Abstract: | This paper describes the initial and post-buckling behaviour of CFRP stringer-stiffened curved panels. The panels are of 500-mm radius, 2-mm thickness and have either three or four blade stringers. Initial buckling loads were calculated using the finite strip code VIPASA within the design optimisation program PASCO. An unstiffened, externally supported panel is also considered.Stringer stiffening gave higher buckling loads than external supports. The initial buckling behaviour was influenced by geometric imperfections, and methods of modelling these with PASCO are discussed. The imperfections caused scatter in buckling load, but there was minimal scatter in failure load, despite the presence of impact damage in some cases. The failure loads were about 50% higher than the buckling loads. |
