This study investigates problems associated with the design of scaled
down models. Such study is important since it provides the necessary s
caling laws, and the factors which affect the accuracy of the scale mo
dels. For better understanding the applicability of scaled down models
in designing laminated composite structures, an analytical investigat
ion was undertaken to assess the feasibility of their use. Employment
of similitude theory to establish similarity among structural systems
can save considerable expense and time, provided that the proper scali
ng laws are found and validated. In this study the limitation and acce
ptable interval of all parameters and corresponding scale factors are
investigated. Particular emphasis is placed on the case of buckling of
cross-ply cylindrical shells under uniaxial compressive loads. Both c
omplete and partial similarity are discussed. This analytical study in
dicates that distorted models with a different number of layers and ge
ometries than those of the prototype can predict the behavior of the p
rototype with good accuracy. However, it is shown that a scaled down m
odel with different material properties than those of the prototype is
incapable of predicting the response of the prototype. Copyright (C)
1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.