Stability of Thin-Walled Composite Structures with Closed Sections Under Compression

The purpose of the research was to analyze the experimental-numerical influence of the type of cross-section on the stability of thin-walled composite columns with closed (rectangular) cross-sections. The subject of the investigation was thin-walled composite structures made of CFRP composite (carbon fiber reinforced polymer), characterized by a closed rectangular cross-section shape of the profile and a identical ply configuration. In this study, experimental and numerical investigations of axially compressed columns were performed to determine the values of buckling loads and buckling forms. Experimental investigations were performed using a universal testing machine with an optical deformation measurement system. In parallel with the experimental tests, numerical simulations were made using the Finite Element Method (FEM). The numerical studies conducted using dedicated numerical models and the experimental studies made it possible to carry out a thorough analysis of the impact of the cross-sectional shape on the buckling phenomenon of the structure. The novelty of the present paper is the use of interdisciplinary testing methods to compare the effect of cross-sectional geometry on the stability of thin-walled composite columns.