Experiment and simulations of stiffened panel buckling with composite damage and interfacial delamination

This paper presentes the experimental investigation of the compressive stability of composite hat-shape stiffener panels. A series of finite element simulations are conducted to analysis the buckling and damage evolution characteristics correspondingly. Various damage models and cohesive damage are included in the simulations. The results of experiments and simulations indicate the following phenomena: The matrix, the fiber and the adhesive have not been damaged obviously prior to buckling; Stiffened panel's buckling produce damage evolution immediately; The damage near panel's surface is more serious than that inside; Cohesive damage reduce the carrying capacity of composite stiffened panel; The simulations taking account of damage agree well with the tests, which demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of the simulations.