An Investigation of Sheet-Stiffener Panels Subjected to Compression Loads with Particular Reference to Torsionally Weak Stiffeners

Author: Dunn, Louis Gerhardus

Year: 1940

Degree: Dissertation (Ph.D.)

Advisors: Sechler, Ernest Edwin; von Kármán, Theodore

Committee Member: Unknown, Unknown

Option: Aeronautics

DOI: 10.7907/84RM-ZH50

Abstract

A total of 183 panel specimens of 24ST alloy with nominal thicknesses of 0.020, 0.025, and 0.040 inch with extruded bulb-angle sections of 12 shapes spaced 4 and 5 inches as stiffeners were tested to obtain the buckling stress and the amplitude of the maximum wave when buckled. Bulb angles from 3 to 27-1/2 inches long were tested as pin-end columns. The experimental data are presented as stress-strain and column curves and in tabular form. Some comparisons with theoretical results are presented.

Analytical methods are developed that make it possible for the designer to predict with reasonable accuracy the buckling stress and the maximum-wave amplitude of the sheet in stiffened-panel combinations. The scope of the test was insufficient to formulate general design criteria but the results are presented as a guide for design and an indictaion of the type of theoretical and experimental work needed.

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