LAUSR

Abstract Since the geometrical dimensions of stiffened panels including length and thickness are very different, considering fabrication, the complete similarity method is generally not realistic or economic to scale thin-wall models for testing. The present paper aims to figure out a partial similarity method to design testing small scale models for stiffened panels, which could consider the effects of buckling behaviours and dimensional distortions. The partial similarity method corresponding to different collapse modes is proposed to design small scale testing models according to the principal influential parameters of plate, column and torsional slenderness, instead of only geometrical dimensions. Seven specimens were tested for assessing the ultimate strength of the stiffened panels under in-plane compressive loads, which are used to verify the FE modelling technology. The influences of various partial similarity methods on the collapse behaviours are discussed by using experimental and numerical results. The strategy of proposed partial similarity method by considering different principle parameters combinations for various collapse modes could give close results between the full and small scale models, which would be a good option for designing testing models.