The Vibration Correlation Technique - A reliable nondestructive method to predict buckling loads of thin walled structures

The Vibration Correlation Technique (VCT), a nondestructive in-situ method to assess buckling loads is applied today to all basic thin walled structures, like columns (beams), plates, panels and shells yielding very good predictions for the experimental buckling load. The present review of the VCT highlights its analytical and experimental state-of-the-art by presenting the relevant derivations for columns, plates and shells together with test results stressing the reliable nondestructive nature of the method. Recent manuscripts reported successful applications of VCT to cylindrical shells, thus providing sound evidence of the applicability and reliability of the method. However, it is advised that more tests results should be provided to enlarge the experimental database for the application of VCT as a nondestructive method to predict the buckling load of thin walled structures.