This study investigates problems associated with design of scaled down
models. Similitude theory is employed to develop the necessary simila
rity conditions. Sealing laws provide the relationship between a full-
scale structure and its scale models and fan be used to extrapolate th
e experimental data of a small, inexpensive, and easily tested model i
nto design information for the large prototype. Both complete and part
ial similarity are discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the cas
es of buckling of rectangular symmetric angle-ply laminated plates und
er uniaxial compressive and shear loads. This analytical study indicat
es that distorted models with a different number of layers, material p
roperties, and geometries than those of the prototype can predict the
behavior of the prototype with good accuracy.