Static energy absorption capacity of grid stiffened composite plates

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental study on the energy absorption capacity of iso-grid and ortho-grid stiffened composite plates under transverse loading. The 3-point bend test has been performed to investigate the energy absorption behavior of grid stiffened composite plates. The test results show that energy absorption capacity up to failure is improved when the load is applied on the rib side. The ortho grid stiffened structure shows a higher energy absorption capacity after failure when loaded at the rib side. The main failure modes in grid stiffened composite plates are rib fracture, matrix cracking and delamination over the skin.