Author(s)

G. Gatta & F. Romano

Abstract

In this work the structural behaviour of the so-called grid-stiffened structures is studied by means of finite element analysis; the focal target is to verify their applicability in the design of a low cost and low weight aircraft fuselages, to fabricate in composite material using the Filament Winding technology. A grid-stiffened structure is characterized by beam elements (ribs) and shell elements (skin); the ribs constitute the main reinforcements and individuate the type of grid structure. Starting from a set of requirements, a lattice structure is sized, that is a gridstiffened structure with ribs only and without a skin (inner and/or outer). The characteristics of the isotropic material used for the ribs are derived from the properties of a common high-strength graphite/epoxy composite m

Keywords