Effect of the Repetition of a Post-Buckling Load on CFRP Curved Panels

Experimental results on CFRP curved stiffened panels subjected to several combinations of axial compression and shear loading are presented and discussed. Panels are assembled in a closed box configuration so to have a shear load by applying a torque on the box. Six static tests are initially carried out for evaluating the response of the box to static post-buckling load. Then several combined cyclic tests are performed at different torque load levels in order to analyze the effect of the repetition of a post-buckling load on the global behavior of the specimen. Presented results clearly demonstrate, from one hand, the capability of CFRP panels to work in the post-buckling range without any damage and, from the other hand, their possibility to operate during their operative life under repeated post-buckling conditions without any loss in performances.