Sensitivity analysis for buckling characterisation using the vibration correlation technique

The Vibration Correlation Technique (VCT) is a non-destructive method to predict buckling loads for imperfection-sensitive structures. While successfully used to validate numerical models and predict experimental buckling loads, recommendations for defining the VCT experiment are scarce. Here, its sensitivity towards the number of load steps...

Buckling, Post-buckling and Vibrations of Composite Plates under Combined Thermomechanical Loads

A big technological leap in Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastics (CFRP's) has brought to the market materials that are able to operate under severe thermomechanical loading conditions and yet remain lightweight. This is of high interest for new developments in aerostructures, such as supersonic airliners or the hydrogen aircraft. A continuous need...

Vibration-buckling tests on heated composite plates

This paper presents an experimental investigation on vibrations of heated composite plates leading to thermal buckling. The tests were performed considering two main goals: the application of the Vibration Correlation Technique for the detection of thermal buckling in composite plates; and the exploration of the frequency variations before...

Achievements in the buckling of thin-walled composite launcher structures

For most structural parts of real launcher structures buckling is the critical design criterion. Due to the high imperfection sensitivity of these structures and to the unknown geometric imperfections during the design phase, it is still today a challenge to predict a reliable design buckling load and to experimentally and non-destructively...

Robustness of empirical vibration correlation techniques for predicting the instability of unstiffened cylindrical composite shells in axial compression

Thin-walled carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) shells are increasingly used in aerospace industry. Such shells are prone to the loss of stability under compressive loads. Furthermore, the instability onset of monocoque shells exhibits a pronounced imperfection sensitivity. The vibration correlation technique (VCT) is being developed as a...

Experimental and numerical vibration correlation of pre-stressed laminated reinforced panel

This research work deals with the buckling load prediction of reinforced laminated composite panels of aeronautical interest. Being subjected to pure compression, these panels are characterized by stable post-buckling. Thus, the vibration correlation technique (VCT) is utilized herein as an effective nondestructive means to extrapolate...