Stability of polymer/fibre composite continuum/skeletal structural units under in-plane loading

Abstract

Specific polymer/fibre composite continuum/skeletal structures under in-plane concentrated loading are investigated. Different configurations of skeletal frames are connected to the continuum at nodal joints and are analysed using the non-linear load-displacement finite element method to find the optimum structure. Two experimental models of the optimum structure have been tested and the results are compared with the finite element analysis; good agreement between the two techniques has been demonstrated. Finally, a parameter study on the optimum configuration has been carried out.