Manual for structural stability analysis of sandwich plates and shells

Abstract : The basic objective of this study was to develop and compile a manual which would include practical and up-to-date methods for analyzing the structural stability of sandwich plates and shells for typical loading conditions which might be encountered in aerospace applications. The methods proposed for use would include known analytical approaches as modified for correlation with applicable test data. The data presented here covers recommended design equations and curves for a wide range of structural configurations and loading condition including combined loads. In a number of cases, actual test data points are included on the design curves to substantiate the recommendations made. For those items where little or no test data exists the basic analytical approach is presented along with the notation that this represented the 'test available' data and should be used with some caution and judgment until substantiated by test.