Inelastic Cyclic Buckling of Aluminum Shear Panels

Abstract

Cyclic load tests on shear panels of low-yield alloy of aluminum (3003-O) were performed to determine the onset and effect of inelastic web buckling on load-deformation behavior. Yielding of shear panels of aluminum can be used as a means to dissipate energy through hysteresis provided strength deterioration due to inelastic buckling is controlled. Gerard’s formulation for inelastic buckling, as reported in 1948, was found to be in excellent agreement with experimental results and can be used to predict the onset of inelastic shear buckling and to design shear panels so that inelastic buckling does not occur at strains below the design requirements.