Crippling of Titanium Matrix Composite Stiffeners

Using established principles of laminate buckling theory and post buckling load redistribution, a theory is derived for crippling analysis of specially ortho tropic or very nearly specially orthotropic laminated composite stiffeners. Results from testing of SCS-6/Ti-15-3 titanium matrix composite (TMC) stiffener segments are also presented and show good correlation with theoretical predictions. The testing program in cludes three different layups, three different geometries, and a repetition of two tests for each possible geometry/layup combination for a total of 18 tests. The results of the theory are presented in the form of easy-to-use design curves.