STRIP YIELD ANALYSIS FOR MULTIPLE CRACKED SHEET WITH RIVETED STIFFENERS

An elasto-plastic analysis is conducted based upon a strip yield model for analyzing multiple cracks in a sheet reinforced with riveted stiffeners. Using the basic solution of a single crack and taking unknown fictitious surface tractions and fastener forces, Fredholm integral equations are formulated from the equilibrium condition along multiple cracks in the sheet. In addition compatibility equations of displacements are formulated among the sheet, fasteners and stiffeners. Based upon no stress singularity at the fictitious crack tips, these equations are iteratively solved as a single system of equations. Then the unknown fictitious surface tractions, fastener forces, and plastic zone sizes ahead of the crack tips are determined. The crack tip opening displacements for a multiple cracked sheet with riveted stiffeners are determined from the derived fictitious surface tractions and plastic zone sizes. Four example calculations and predictions are presented.