BUCKLING OF BEAM-PLATES HAVING MULTIPLE DELAMINATIONS

An analysis procedure for determining the buckling load of beam-plates having multiple single delaminations is presented. Free and constrain ed models based on the usual beam-column theory are used for perfect a nd separated parts of delaminated segments. Successive corrections of buckled delaminated segments are made by inserting constrained models in the portions where overlapping of the upper and lower parts occurre d in the segments of assumed free mode deformations, It appears to be the first time such analysis leading to buckling load with physically realistic mode of deformation has been considered. Recurrence equation s relating integration constants of adjacent segments are established which lead to a 2 by 2 buckling determinant and allow direct determina tion of buckling mode along the entire beam-plate. Some numerical exam ples are presented for illustrative purposes. The procedure establishe d appears to be simple: systematic and effective which should be usefu l for engineering applications.