Sling-shot buckling of composite structures under thermo-mechanical loading

An overview, unification and review of the mathematical models, stability criteria and critical parameters for two types of structures, patched plates and layered shells, subjected to uniform temperature change are presented. Results of numerical simulations based on analytical solutions are presented and critical behavior is reviewed and compared. In each case, a transverse loading parameter is seen to force the system. For both types of structure, the loading parameter is dependent on both the temperature and the membrane force, and a critical membrane force and critical temperature are identified. When the corresponding critical temperature is achieved, both types of structures considered are seen to exhibit sling-shot buckling, an instability in which the structure dynamically slings from equilibrium configurations associated with deflections in one direction to those associated with deflections in the opposite sense. Conclusions are drawn and explanations are given as to the physical reasons for this phenomenon. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.