Non-linear stability and failure of laminated composite stiffened cylindrical panels subjected to in-plane impulse loading

Abstract

Abstract In this article, the non-linear dynamic buckling behavior and failure of laminated composite stiffened cylindrical (LCSC) panel is performed in the finite element framework when subjected to sinusoidal and rectangular in-plane pulse loading. Balanced symmetric cross-ply laminates and balanced symmetric angle ply laminates are considered in this study. The first ply failure load (FPFL) of the panel is evaluated and checked whether it occurs before the non-linear dynamic buckling phenomenon considering four different failure theories. Convergence and validation studies are carried out using the present mathematical formulation and compared with the results from the existing literatures. The effect of loading duration, loading function, aspect ratio of stiffener and the ply orientation of the skin and stiffener on the non-linear dynamic buckling of LCSC panel is studied in detail and the results are reported. It is observed that the non-linear dynamic buckling load (DBL) of balanced and symmetric angle ply (45°/−45°/−45°/45°) stiffened panel is lower than those of unstiffened composite cylindrical panel upto aspect ratio of the stiffener (ds/bs) equal to 8 when subjected to rectangular pulse load. In case of balanced and symmetric cross ply (0°/90°/90°/0°) stiffened panel the DBL of stiffened panel is lower than those of unstiffened panel when the aspect ratio of the stiffener is less than 4 with rectangular pulse load. Further, the free vibration, static buckling and static post-buckling analyses of the panels are carried out as and when required.