Abstract
Abstract
The suitability of Araldite as a model material for the study of plate instability problems is investigated. Model tests on stiffened plates made of Araldite and steel sheeting are reported and the test results are compared with theoretical predictions.
The overwhelming advantage in testing Araldite models is due to the large range of material elasticity (extending up to 36 000 microstrain compared with 1200–1600 microstrain for steel). Models made of Araldite are shown to be useful in simulating buckling modes and in obtaining magnified values of the likely plate and stiffener deformations in the serviceability and ultimate limit states. The ultimate capacity predicted from models is, however, significantly lower than the values of the corresponding steel prototypes on account of the early loss of stiffness of the members caused by the large deformations.
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