Buckling Analysis of Grid-Stiffened Composite Plates Using Hybrid Element with Drilling D.O.F.

In the present study, finite element linear buckling analysis is performed for grid-stiffened composite plates. A hybrid element with drilling degrees of freedom is employed to reduce the effect of the sensitivity of mesh distortion and to match the degrees of freedom between skins and stiffeners. The preliminary static stress distribution is analyzed for the determination of accurate load distribution. Parametric study of grid structures is performed and three types of buckling modes are observed. The maximum limit of buckling load was found at the local skin-buckling mode. In order to maximize buckling loads, stiffened panels need to be designed to be buckled in skin-buckling mode.