Scale models for laminated cylindrical shells subjected to axial compression

This study investigates problems associated with the design of scaled down models. Such study is important since it provides the necessary scaling laws, and the factors which affect the accuracy of the scale models. For better understanding the applicability of scaled down models in designing laminated composite structures, an analytical investigation was undertaken to assess the feasibility of their use. Employment of similitude theory to establish similarity among structural systems can save considerable expense and time, provided that the proper scaling laws are found and validated. In this study the limitation and acceptable interval of all parameters and corresponding scale factors are investigated. Particular emphasis is placed on the case of buckling of cross-ply cylindrical shells under uniaxial compressive loads. Both complete and partial similarity are discussed. This analytical study indicates that distorted models with a different number of layers and geometries than those of the prototype can predict the behavior of the prototype with good accuracy. However, it is shown that a scaled down model with different material properties than those of the prototype is incapable of predicting the response of the prototype. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.