A numerical and experimental investigation of the buckling behavior of composite panels

Abstract The experimental buckling behavior of axially compressed, fiber-reinforced, circular cylindrical panels is compared with numerical predictions obtained from an energy-based, finite difference, computer program. Test specimens were clamped along the curved edges and either unsupported or simply supported along the straight edges. Numerical predictions were obtained for a perfect cylindrical geometry and for small axially symmetric initial imperfections. Agreement between experimental and numerical buckling behaviors are in good agreement for both types of boundary conditions.