A numerical study of dynamic pulse buckling of cylindrical structures

Abstract

Stiffened and unstiffened cylinders are primary components of civil and naval marine structures and may be subject to impulsive loads that can induce a dynamic buckling response. This paper is an overview of investigations into various aspects of dynamic pulse buckling using numerical finite difference and finite element methods. The finite difference solution is formulated from existing theory to investigate the nonlinear effects of elasto-plasticity and strain rate and curvature rate reversal on the dynamic buckling behaviour. Finite element modelling and solution requirements are evaluated and studies of dynamic buckling response for thick cylinders, cylinders with varying radius-to-thickness ratios, a ring-stiffened cylindrical segment, and various pressure load-time histories, including the case of an impulse occuring in conjunction with significant static pressure, are presented. Buckling failure during dynamic response is shown to occur at peak loads that are much higher, and in modes which consist of much smaller wavelengths, than static buckling loads. The buckling modeshape also changes significantly during its formation due to the effects of strain rate and curvature reversal.