PASCO: Structural panel analysis and sizing code, capability and analytical foundations

A computer code denoted PASCO which can be used for analyzing and sizing uniaxially-stiffened composite panels is described. Buckling and vibration analyses are carried out with a linked-plate analysis computer code denoted VIPASA, which is incorporated in PASCO. Sizing is based on nonlinear mathematical programming techniques and employs a computer code denoted CONMIN, also incorporated in PASCO. Design requirements considered are initial buckling, material strength, stiffness, and vibration frequency. The capability of the PASCO computer code and the approach used in the structural analysis and sizing are described.