Buckling of Multibay Stiffened Plate Panels

Results of tests on very small scale single and double bay stiffened steel panels are presented. These are compared to a series of large scale model tests carried out at the University of Manchester as well as with an analytical method based on the effective width approach. In the case of multiple bay panels the analysis assumes simple support to exist between individual bays, and uses an energy expression to account for the effects of continuity. A set of simultaneous equations are obtained and these are solved iteratively for each increment of applied load. By this means a loading curve up to failure can be obtained. The effect of longitudinal continuity on the failure mode and ultimate load is investigated, and a simplified analysis suitable for design is suggested for taking account of the effects of continuity.