Axially compressed cylindrical shells with local settlement

Abstract

The design of cylindrical metal silos and tanks is often controlled by considerations of buckling under axial compression. Whilst the effects of geometric imperfections on the buckling strength have been extensively explored, few studies have explored the effects of defects in the boundary conditions and the effects of residual stresses have received even less attention. This paper investigates the initiation and development of imperfections caused by local differential settlement at the supported base and their effect on the elastic buckling of a thin cylindrical shell under axial compression. The shells were treated as initially perfect with perfect support, but developing geometric imperfections and residual stresses as a consequence of local displacement at the supported edge and with residual stresses consistent with the induced geometric imperfections. The results raise interesting questions concerning the criteria of failure and appropriate tolerance measurements for constructed cylindrical shells.