The Dynamic Buckling of Stiffened Panels - A study using High Speed Digital Image Correlation

For a structure subjected to an intermediate velocity impact in which the duration of loading is in the order of milliseconds and in excess of the period of it's first free vibration mode there is a relationship between impact duration and buckling load. Although this relationship results in higher buckling loads for shorter duration impacts, the precise nature of the correlation depends on a number of other factors, one of which is geometry. Since the design of many lightweight structures subject to dynamic loading in this intermediate range is based on the use of a static buckling load to which a load factor is then applied, it is essential that this factor accurately represents the relationship between the two and takes of account of any variations. Failure to do so will at least result in an over designed structure and at worst in catastrophic failure. A series of finite element analyses (FEA) have been performed in order to determine the relationship between dynamic and static buckling loads for a range of stiffened panels with differing radii of curvature. This paper describes preliminary tests performed to determine the feasibility of using high speed digital image correlation (DIC) to study such an impact and hence provide validation of the earlier FEA analyses. These are performed on a longitudinally stiffened panel subject to uniaxial compression, clamped within a rig designed to provide built-in end conditions and allow motion of one end in the direction of loading only. The specimen is tested using an accelerated drop test rig. Impact load is monitored throughout using a load cell. Full field displacement contours are obtained using a high speed DIC system. Results are presented which demonstrate deflection contours during and after impact enabling the path of the shock wave through the specimens to be determined. An initial comparison is then made the FEA results.