Current research on shear buckling and thermal loads with PASCO: Panel Analysis and Sizing Code

The PASCO computer program to obtain the detailed dimensions of optimum stiffened composite structural panels is described. Design requirements in terms of inequality constraints can be placed on buckling loads or vibration frequencies, lamina stresses and strains, and overall panel stiffness for each of many load conditions. General panel cross sections can be treated. An analysis procedure involving a smeared orthotropic solution was investigated. The conservatism in the VIPASA solution and the danger in a smeared orthotropic solution is explored. PASCO's capability to design for thermal loadings is also described. It is emphasized that design studies illustrate the importance of the multiple load condition capability when thermal loads are present.