Non-linear buckling analysis of tapered curved composite plates based on a simplified methodology

• Published in: Composites. Part B, Engineering Engineering, 2012-03, Vol.43 (2), p.797-804
• Main Authors: Akhlaque-E-Rasul, Shaikh, Ganesan, Rajamohan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: A. Laminates; Applied sciences; B. Buckling; B. Mechanical properties; C. Finite element analysis (FEA); composite materials; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Laminates; mechanical stress; methodology; Physicochemistry of polymers; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Simplified non-linear analysis; Technology of polymers
• ISSN: 1359-8368; 1879-1069
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2011.11.010

Very large number of load steps is required to determine the buckling load based on the non-linear analysis in which the stability limit load is calculated from the non-linear load–deflection curve. In the present work, a simplified methodology is developed to predict the stability limit load that requires the consideration of only two load steps. The stability limit loads of the tapered curved plates are calculated using this methodology. Based on the first-ply failure analysis and the simplified non-linear buckling analysis, the critical sizes and parameters of the tapered curved plates that will not fail before global buckling are determined. The stability limit loads calculated using the present simplified methodology are shown to have good agreement with that calculated based on the non-linear load–deflection curve using the conventional non-linear buckling analysis methodology.