Numerical Investigations of Perforated CFRP Z-Cross-Section Profiles, under Axial Compression

Abstract

Thin-walled elements, thanks to their good properties, are increasingly used in structural applications, especially in the aircraft and building industries. These kinds of structures are often perforated for reducing weight and to ease servicing and maintenance operations, e.g., in aircraft wing ribs. These perforations cause a redistribution of stresses in the element which may change the ultimate strength of the structure and their elastic stiffness. The buckling behaviour of structural members with perforations is significantly influenced by the size, location, shape and number of perforations. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the influence of these kinds of cut-out parameters on thin-walled structure buckling and postbuckling behaviour. This study investigated numerically the buckling and postbuckling behaviour of thin-walled perforated composite profiles with a Z-cross-section subjected to compression load. Numerical calculations were performed using the finite element method in the ABAQUS® program. The study investigated the effect of localisation and geometric parameters of cut-outs on the buckling load, postbuckling equilibrium path and failure load. Moreover, the perforated profiles were compared with a profile without cut-outs, which were experimentally tested in previous research. Results showed that the perforated profiles with a Z-cross-section do not lose their stability in the post-critical range. What is more, a well-chosen arrangement of the holes may prevent the mechanical properties from deteriorating.

Numerical Buckling Analysis of Thin-Walled Channel-Section Composite Profiles Weakened by Cut-Outs

“…Therefore, in further analysis element size of 4 mm was used. The similar analysis was performed in works [39,40].…”

Adhesive Joint Degradation Due to Hardener-to-Epoxy Ratio Inaccuracy under Varying Curing and Thermal Operating Conditions

“…Further research in the topic is planned to analyse the influence of other parameters on the strength of adhesive joints, including: the method of surface preparation, the use of admixtures of materials that modify the properties of the adhesive, the degradation of joints due to aggressive environmental conditions and variable cyclic fluctuations in the temperature of the working environment of the joint [ 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 ]. To this end, statistical tools will be used to support mathematical modelling, and it is also planned to apply an analytical approach and use finite element numerical analysis software [ 86 , 87 , 88 , 89 , 90 ]. All this with the aim of obtaining even more durable and reliable adhesive joints that will be able to complement but also compete with other types of joints to an even greater extent.…”

Influence of Composite Lay-Up on the Stability of Channel-Section Profiles Weakened by Cut-Outs – A Numerical Investigation

“…The numerical analysis was performed in Abaqus program by using the finite element method, which is now very popular and widely used [23][24][25]. Analysis was carried out in two stages.…”