Local-global mode interaction in stringer-stiffened plates

TL;DR

This paper extends a nonlinear analytical model for stringer-stiffened plates to include local buckling, revealing complex mode interactions and post-buckling behavior validated by experiments and finite element analysis.

Contribution

The paper introduces an extended analytical model capturing local-global mode interactions in stringer-stiffened plates, validated against experiments and finite element simulations.

Findings

Interaction between global and local buckling modes is significant.

Post-buckling behavior is highly unstable with changing wavelengths.

Model predictions agree well with experiments and Abaqus simulations.

Abstract

A recently developed nonlinear analytical model for axially loaded thin-walled stringer-stiffened plates based on variational principles is extended to include local buckling of the main plate. Interaction between the weakly stable global buckling mode and the strongly stable local buckling mode is highlighted. Highly unstable post-buckling behaviour and a progressively changing wavelength in the local buckling mode profile is observed under increasing compressive deformation. The analytical model is compared against both physical experiments from the literature and finite element analysis conducted in the commercial code Abaqus; excellent agreement is found both in terms of the mechanical response and the predicted deflections.