Indentation parameters influence on the ultimate strength of panels for different stiffeners

Abstract This paper focuses on the study of the influence of indentation parameters on the ultimate strength and behavior of the damaged panels for two types of stiffeners, through an experimental-numerical correlation and a parametric study. Experiments were performed using stiffened panels in small-scale models, with stiffener type T and flat-bar, representing typical full-scale bottom and deck panels of a ship, respectively. A series of indentation tests have been carried out in the plate-stiffener intersection of the small-scale models, where the indentation force and displacement pattern are analyzed for each type of stiffener. After indentation, the panel model is submitted to an uniaxial compression test, in order to measure the loss of ultimate strength of the damaged panel in relation to the intact one. Numerical simulations of the ultimate strength behavior for the small-scale panels are performed by a finite element program for both indentation and panel collapse. The results from the numerical-experimental correlation study presented a good agreement. Therefore, a parametric study is performed to analyze the indentation parameters, such as, the dent depth, indenter size, indentation location and the stiffener column slenderness. The research work contributes to a better understanding of the damaged panel behavior in order to define more robust safe design bases, as well as, to support decision on repair procedures.