ULTIMATE SHEAR-CARRYING CAPACITY OF UNSTIFFENED PANELS

Based on previous research work done in this field, special attention is paid on the influence of parameters on the ultimate or post-buckling strength of panels. These parameters are initial geometric imperfection, residual stresses, width to thickness ratio and aspect ratio of the panels. ANSYS software is employed to investigate the geometric and material nonlinear behavior of the panels. It is found from the numerical studies that initial geometric imperfection and residual stress have little influence on the shear-carrying capacity of the panels, and these parameters can be neglected for the simplified calculation and design. The elastic buckling loads should be taken into account in evaluating shear-carrying capacity of the thicker panel which may increase with the increase of shear deformation induced by lateral displacement, while the thinner one keeps almost unchanged after large shear deformation. Two formulae for evaluation of shear-carrying capacity of the panels are suggested.