Postbuckling and failure characteristics of stiffened graphite-epoxy shear webs

Results are presented from an experimental study of the postbuckling response and failure characteristics of flat, stiffened graphite-epoxy shear webs in which attention was given to the influence of stiffener attachment concepts, circular holes, and low speed impact damage on postbuckling performance. The laminate specimens chosen for testing are typical of those employed for transport aircraft primary structures. Test results show that low speed impact damage midway between stiffeners initiated specimen failure; the strength of an impact-damaged specimen was less than that of the corresponding control specimen.