Scaled models for predicting buckling of delaminated orthotropic beam-plates

This study investigates the applicability of scaled models for predicting the buckling behavior of delaminated composites. Such a study is important since it provides the necessary scaling laws, and the factors which affect the accuracy of the scale models. Employment of similitude theory to establish similarity among structural systems can save considerable expense and time, provided that the proper scaling laws are found and validated. In this study a number of parametric studies are performed. The limitations and acceptable intervals of all parameters and corresponding scale factors are investigated. Particular emphasis is placed on the case of delamination buckling of orthotropic plates. Both complete and partial similarities are discussed. This study indicates that models with a different delamination size, depth and number of delaminations than those of the prototype are capable of predicting buckling loads of the prototypes with good accuracy.