Effect of initial imperfections on the ultimate load-carrying capacity of CFRP hat-stiffened plate under longitudinal compression

In this study, finite element models of the Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) hat-stiffened plate are analysed based on the Hashin failure criterion. Five finite element models of the hat-stiffened plate with varying initial imperfections are obtained by introducing the buckling mode shapes from linear buckling analysis and different amplitudes. The buckling mode shapes influence the deformation patterns in the ultimate state, and the failure location within the central region shifts according to the deformation patterns. The ultimate load-carrying capacity is greater when the failure location is in the skin closer to the neutral axis compared to when the failure location is in the web flange, within a range of 5.37%. The amplitude has a relatively slight effect on the ultimate load-carrying capacity, within a range of 1%.