Displacement potential solution of stiffened composite struts subjected to eccentric loading

The elastic behavior of stiffened struts of orthotropic composite material is investigated under an eccentric loading using displacement potential formulation. Solutions are obtained for different aspect ratios of the strut where the fibers are assumed to be directed along the axis of the struts. Solutions of stresses and displacements of boron/epoxy composite struts are presented numerically in the form of graphs. The effects of material orthotropy and different stiffeners on the elastic field are also investigated. Finally, some of the results of the present solution are compared with the corresponding finite element predictions, which, in turn, establishes the soundness as well as reliability of the present analysis of the composite struts.