Numerical Study on Buckling Resistance of Uniaxially Compressed Laminates Containing V-Shaped Edge Notch

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of a V-shaped cutout on the buckling strength of E-glass epoxy composite laminates. In aircraft components, cutouts are more often used for inspection, ventilation, access to critical areas, fitting a particular component, and increasing the strength to weight ratio of the structure. In this paper, symmetric and antisymmetric laminates of E-Glass/Epoxy unidirectional are used and the effect of notch parameters such as notch radius(r), depth of the notch(h), and notch angle(α) is observed under monoaxial compression. Effects of end conditions and plate aspect ratio(l/b) are analyzed. It is observed that the notch radius does not have a considerable effect on buckling strength but the notch angle after 90⁰ shows a good dip in buckling loads as compared to 30⁰,45⁰, and 60⁰. Depth of notch and end conditions creates a considerable loss in buckling strength. As the h/b ratio is increased, the drop in buckling strength becomes significant. Clamped -pinned end condition of the plate gives a lower value of load multiplier as compared to clamped -clamped. As we increase the l/b ratio of the plate, buckling of the plate becomes easier. The position of the notch (a) also affects buckling strength which is maximum for a/l=0.25 and minimum for a/l=0.5.