Author(s)

A. Yohannes, D.J. Cartwright & R.A. Collins

Abstract

Application of a discontinuous strip yield model to multiple site damage in stiffened sheets A. Yohannes,*DJ. Cartwright,*R.A. Collins* "Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bucknell University, Zewz'j6%rg, B4 77837, C/&4 *>British Aerospace Airbus Ltd, Filton, Bristol, UK ABSTRACT Stiffened panels are widely used in aircraft wing and ftiselage structures. As a result of the cyclic nature of the loads associated with each flight, and material and manufacturing defects it is known that wide spread fatigue cracks may develop particularly around high stress regions such as fastener holes. This simultaneous development of relatively small fatigue cracks at multiple sites in the same structural element can give rise to their joining to form one large crack. This main crack, resulting from the multiple site damage (MSD) may cause immediate and complete failure of the structure.The effect of multiple site damage on the fracture strength of a stiffened sheet is examined using the Str

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