Abstract: Based on the idea of equivalent stiffness，the stiffened panels’ mechanical characteristics were simulated by setting the property parameters of laminates. An equivalent laminate modeling method was introduced for the global buckling analysis of stiffened panels with different sectional shapes and stringer distribution forms. The high accuracy model that describes a stiffened panel‘s real shape and its simplified equivalent stiffness model with alaminate property were compared using PATRAN/NASTRAN software. For common sectional shapes and stiffener distribution forms，their 1st order linear stability coefficients are in accordance with each other. Therefore it proves that the application of equivalent laminates to stiffened panels’ buckling analysis can satisfy the engineering requirements in accuracy，and can significantly raise the calculation efficiency.