Experimental response of glass-reinforced plastic cylinders under axial compression

This paper presents the results of buckling tests on laminated composite cylinders made from glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP). The laminates used are of type 'DF1400' consisting of woven glass fibre roving within a polyester resin matrix. In total, six cylinders constructed from two-ply laminates, in which the main variable is the laminate orientation, were tested under axial compression. The specimen details, experimental set-up and loading arrangements are described, and a detailed account of the test results is given. The results include thickness and imperfection mapping, and displacement, load and strain measurements. Use was made of an automated laser scanning system, which was developed for measuring the initial geometric imperfections as well as buckling deformations during various stages of loading. The results of this experimental study demonstrate the influence of laminate orientation on the buckling strength of composite cylinders, and provide detailed information necessary for analytical and design investigations.This paper presents the results of buckling tests on laminated composite cylinders made from glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP). The laminates used are of type `DF1400' consisting of woven glass fibre roving within a polyester resin matrix. In total, six cylinders constructed from two-ply laminates, in which the main variable is the laminate orientation, were tested under axial compression. The specimen details, experimental set-up and loading arrangements are described, and a detailed account of the test results is given. The results include thickness and imperfection mapping, and displacement, load and strain measurements. Use was made of an automated laser scanning system, which was developed for measuring the initial geometric imperfections as well as buckling deformations during various stages of loading. The results of this experimental study demonstrate the influence of laminate orientation on the buckling strength of composite cylinders, and provide detailed information necessary for analytical and design investigations.