Stability analysis of finite anisotropic panels with elliptical cutouts and cracks

An approximate analysis for stability of anisotropic finite panels with centrally located elliptical cutouts is presented. The analysis is composed of two parts: a plane stress analysis and a stability analysis. The plane stress distribution is determined using Lekhnitskii’s complex variable equations of plane elastostatics combined with a Laurent series approximation constructed by the conformal mapping function, and a boundary’ collocation method. Its solutions satisfy the conditions along the interior boundary and at a discrete number of points along the exterior panel ones. The stability analysis is conducted using the different equations which result from the Hamilton’s principle and the classical plate theory. The relation of vibration frequency, load parameter and stability of panels is investigated by solving the fundamental equations using separating variables technique, so as to obtain the critical loads. Finally, comparisons with documented experimental results and finite element analysis are done. Results of a parameter study are presented.