Buckling of CFRP plates with partly detached stringers

Abstract

So far, research in the field of stringer detachment has predominantly been focussed on conditions for its initiation and propagation. As an alternative this study assumes a certain detachment size and asks for its effect on the buckling strength. Standard finite elements are applied to determine buckling modes and the corresponding loads for CFRP plates with a single blade stiffener. The influence of the detachment length on the buckling load varies with cross sectional dimensions and plate stacking. Designs are identified which tolerate relatively large detachments without too serious a buckling load reduction. Unfortunately, an improved damage tolerance often has to be payed for by a lower buckling strength. However, considering more +45- layers in the plate stacking has a positive effect on the - damage tolerance as well as on the buckling load.