Finite element stability analysis of square arall and glare panels subjected to shear

The finite element software NISA was employed for a comparative study of shear buckling strengths of the ARALL and GLARE laminates currently available in the market. The effect of varying angles of fiber reinforcement on the anisotropic buckling behaviour of each laminate was determined. The loading conditions considered are those of uniform stresses applied along the edges and an applied shear displacement between opposite edges of the plate. Both simply supported and clamped end conditions were studies. The influence of varying prepreg volume ratios in different thickness configurations was also studied. The results indicate that a volume to volume replacement of conventional alloys by fiber metal laminates will result in panels with lower shear buckling strengths. On the other hand, compared to aluminum panels of equal weight GLARE and ARALL laminates are stronger in shear buckling, by 5% and 20%, respectively.Peer reviewed: NoNRC publication: Ye