Free-edge effects of corrugated laminates

Abstract

Due to their high numerical efficiency, homogenization models are often employed in the analysis of corrugated laminates. They are usually derived assuming periodic behavior in the corrugated direction and generalized plane strain in the out-of-plane direction, which corresponds to the assumption of infinite dimensions of the structure. As a consequence, any influences of edge effects are not mapped, although they can have a significant impact on the mechanical behavior of a given structure. The objective of this manuscript is to investigate the influence of boundary conditions - a combination of free-edges and clamping - on the structural stiffness of corrugated laminates. A total of six load cases are investigated which correspond to the line loads considered in the classical theory of laminated plates. The results of this parameter study allow the identification of several critical loading situations, where free edges can significantly alter structural stiffness. The given investigations hence contribute to the investigation of the validity range of homogenization models.