Experimental and numerical analysis of ultimate compressive strength of stiffened panel with openings

Abstract

The paper presents experimental and finite element analyses of the ultimate strength of a stiffened panel with a large opening on the plating and multi small openings on the longitudinal and transverse girders and subjected to combined uniaxial and lateral loads. This investigation provides practical information to estimate the effect of the large and small openings on the ultimate compressive strength of deck panels in large passenger ships. The experimental results are presented in terms of the load–displacement and strain data, overall and local structural collapse, showing agreement with the simulations performed by the ABAQUS finite element solver. The results show that the abnormal shape of the plate opening and its reinforcements change the overall buckling and collapse behaviour of the stiffened panel under compressive loads. The finite element analysis also discusses the effect of initial imperfections, lateral loads and various openings on the ultimate compressive strength of stiffened panel.