Nonlinear analysis of axially-loaded laminated cylindrical shells

Abstract

The nonlinear analysis of geometrically imperfect, thin, laminated, circular, cylindrical shells subjected to uniform axial compression, and for various in-plane and transverse supports, is presented. Moreover, the solution methodology is described, and results are generated for imperfect laminated (Boron/Epoxy) cylinders with symmetric, antisymmetric and asymmetric stacking of lamina. The applications deal with imperfection sensitivity studies and investigation of the effect of lamina stacking on the critical conditions. Finally, for some of the chosen geometries, experimental data is available and therefore these geometries serve as (partial) benchmarks for the developed solution scheme.