Fracture analysis of cracked orthotropic skin panels with riveted stiffeners

The stress intensity factors and energy release rates are determined for cracked orthotropic sheets with riveted sti€eners. A closed form solution is used and the approach adopted is based on compatibility of displacements among the sheet, fasteners and sti€eners. E€ects of the nonlinear shear deformation of the fasteners, the plastic deformation of the sti€eners, and sti€ener cutouts in frames are included in the analysis. A one-bay crack and a two-bay crack with center sti€ener either intact or broken are evaluated. The results obtained from the analytical method are compared with ®nite element results. Good agreement of these results demonstrates the validity and accuracy of the analytical method.