Numerical Analysis of Stability of Thin-Walled Composite Column with Open Cross-Section

In the paper a numerical analysis of both critical and post–critical state of a thin–walled channel–section simply supported beam under axial compression. The beam was made of carbon–epoxy symmetrical composite prepared with a pre–preg technology using 8 layers of unidirectional band. The numerical simulations were performed with Finite Elements Method (FEM) in Abaqus and Ansys environment and an analytical–numerical method based on the Koiter theory of conservative systems stability. The value of critical load was estimated according to the Tsai–Wu stress criterion. The performed calculations enabled critical state identification, as well as deformation states and effort analysis of the laminate structure in post–critical state.