Buckling prediction of panels using the vibration correlation technique

The Vibration Correlation Technique (VCT) for experimentally nondestructive determination of buckling loads of thin-walled structures is applied to stringer stiffened curved panels manufactured both from aluminum and laminated composite material. The modal behavior of the panels is investigated by exciting the structures using the modal hammer method. Natural frequencies of the panels are recorded as a function of the applied axial compression load. Unlike shell structures which present a non-stable post-buckling behavior, the stringer stiffened panels show a stable post-buckling behavior, enabling the measurement of the natural frequencies up to the actual experimental buckling load. The modal behavior of compressed panels is compared for reference to shells, yielding areas of applicability for VCT to predict efficiently the buckling loads of thin-walled structures. Guidelines are then formulated for the application of the VCT.