Orthotropic Models of Corrugated Sheets in Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

To reduce computational effort of finite element (FE) calculations a corrugated sheet is replaced with an orthotropic plate. Analytical expressions for the mechanical properties are studied and compared to finite Element calculations in extension, free vibration, and buckling. Good similarity is shown in the stiffened and transverse direction of the corrugated sheet; however, the orthotropic models do not give an accurate twisting behavior. The stiffened direction of the corrugated sheet best matches the analytical expressions. Keeping in mind the presented limitation, the orthotropic model presented herein can be used to drastically reduce the number of elements needed when modelling corrugated sheet with finite elements.