A study on the residual ultimate strength of continuous stiffened panels with a crack under the combined lateral pressure and in-panel compression

In this study, the effects of the crack on the residual ultimate strength of a continuous stiffened panel with a crack under the combined lateral pressure and in-panel compression are investigated numerically. Based on the fact that the extent of model should be sufficient to analyze the surrounding structure, a two-span (1/2 + 1+1/2) model is modeled. Periodic and symmetric boundary conditions are used to calculate the ultimate strength of stiffened panels with a crack, a Plug-in that can be executed in ABAQUS has been developed using Python language. The accuracy of the advanced model is verified, and the influences of various parameters on the ultimate strength reduction rate of a continuous stiffened panel with a crack are comprehensively investigated. The results of the investigation showed that crack location was very important in the evaluation of the residual ultimate strength of a stiffened panel with a crack, and in particular, the cracks under the stiffener have a great influence on the ultimate strength reduction rate of the stiffened panel. Finally, a prediction equation capable of predicting the ultimate strength reduction rate of continuous stiffened panels with a crack is proposed and verified for its accuracy. •In the continuous stiffened panels, the effect of crack location on the ultimate strength are very uncertain.•The change in the ultimate strength according to the longitudinal location of crack depends on the initial deflection.•As the transverse location of crack increases, the effect of crack on the ultimate strength becomes more severe.