Effect of boundary conditions and non-uniform edge loads on buckling characteristics of laminated composite panels with and without cutout.

In this work, the influence of uniaxial and biaxial nonuniform edge loads on buckling characteristics of composite laminates with and without cutout is investigated by using a finite element method. Furthermore, this investigation addresses the effects of different degree of edge restraints on buckling analysis. Regarding this, a nine node heterosis plate element has been adapted by employing the effects of shear deformation and rotary inertia. The influence of different parameters, such as ply-orientations, nonuniform edge loads, boundary conditions, and cutout sizes, has been considered and studied in detail. It is clearly illustrated that cutout sizes under different loading conditions have remarkable effects on buckling behavior of composite laminates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]