A finite element methodology for postbuckling failure analysis of comp
osite stringer/skin panels is presented, The methodology employs a glo
bal two-dimensional plate finite element model for representing overal
l panel deformation and a local three-dimensional solid finite element
model for representing stress within a critical panel region. Global
and local models are connected with a two-dimensional/three-dimensiona
l coupling methodology that is based on multipoint constraints. Analys
es are carried out for two different panel designs utilizing both line
ar and nonlinear material models. Computational results for failure lo
ad, failure location, and failure mode compare favorably with results
from earlier experimental test programs. The findings suggest that fai
lure initiation in postbuckled composite stringer/skin panels can be e
ffectively modeled with the developed finite element methodology.