Estimating the error of the beam approximation in the plane stability problem for a rectangular plate with a central crack

The plane stability problem for a rectangular, linearly elastic, isotropic plate with a central crack is solved. The dependence of the critical load on the crack length is studied using exact (the three-dimensional linearized theory of stability of elastic bodies) and approximate (beam approximation) approaches. The results produced by the beam approach are evaluated.Translated from Prikladnaya Mekhanika, Vol. 40, No. 11, pp. 117–126, November 2004.This revised version was published online in April 2005 with a corrected cover date.     

The S. P. Timoshenko Institute of Mechanics at the beginning of the third millennium

A brief historical review of the main scientific activities at the S. P. Timoshenko Institute of Mechanics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, is outlined. Current trends are examined, in the Institute as a whole and in particular departments. As a resource, reviews of the Institute's activity published between 1955 and 1999 in this journal and elsewhere are listed in a bibliography. S. P. Timoshenko Institute of Mechanics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kiev. Translated from Prikladnaya Mekhanika, Vol. 36, No. 1, pp. 6–24, January, 2000.     

A biocatalytic cascade with several output signals—towards biosensors with different levels of confidence

The biocatalytic cascade based on enzyme-catalyzed reactions activated by several biomolecular input signals and producing output signal after each reaction step was developed as an example of a logically reversible information processing system. The model system was designed to mimic the operation of concatenated AND logic gates with optically readable output signals generated at each step of the logic operation. Implications include concurrent bioanalyses and data interpretation for medical diagnostics.

The Three-Dimensional Theory of Stability of Fibrous and Laminated Materials

An analysis is made of the results of investigations into the internal and surface instability of fibrous and laminated composites within the framework of the piecewise-homogeneous model and the equations of the three-dimensional linearized theory of stability. The possible buckling modes of the reinforcing elements in composites with either an elastic (polymeric) or elastoplastic (metallic) matrix are studied. The reliability domains of applied approximate design models are determined and some applications of results on fracture (due to structural instability) of unidirectional composites are presented     

On the lower bounds for critical loads under large deformations in non-linear hyperelastic composites with imperfect interlaminar adhesion

The present paper investigates a mechanism of compressive fracture for heterogeneous incompressible non-linear materials with special kinds of defects of interfacial adhesion under large deformations. The analysis finds the lower bounds for the critical load. In order to calculate the bounds, the problem of the internal instability is considered within the scope of the exact statement based on the application of the model of a piecewise-homogeneous medium and the equations of the 3-D stability theory. The solution of the 3-D problem is found for the most general case accounting for large deformations and the biaxiality of compressive loads. The characteristic determinants are derived for the first four modes, which are more commonly observed. Special attention is given to the calculation of critical loads for hyperelastic layers described by a simplified version of Mooney's potential, namely the neo-Hookean potential.     

Buckling and cracking characteristics of two-layered plate in tension

This study is concerned with the loss of local stability of two-layered metal plates (steel–aluminium alloy) with a crack in tension. The critical stresses corresponding to the initiation of buckling are determined. The post-critical deformation and form of stability loss are investigated. The influence of buckling on the fracture characteristics is also estimated.     

Stiffened Composite Panels with a Stress Concentrator Under in-Plane Compression

The in-plane compressive strength of a stiffened thin-skinned composite panel with a stress concentrator is examined. Two possible in-plane failure mechanisms are investigated. The first one is near-surface instability at the edge of the cutout, where high stress gradients are expected because of the stress concentration and the thickness heterogeneity of the laminated skin. Analytical 3D formulas allowing simple parametrical investigation of the phenomenon under consideration are derived. The second failure mechanism is fiber microbuckling in 0°-plies. An equivalent crack model is used to predict the compressive strength of a multidirectional composite laminate. How a stiffener affects the compressive strength of the thin-skinned panel with a hole is studied for both mechanisms. Experimental and predicted values of the critical load are in good agreement.