Abstract
The questions regarding the most effective technique of modeling stiffened shells persist despite the extensive literature available. In this study, ring-stiffened cylinders having widely varying radius-to-thickness ratios are analyzed by using alternative approaches for determination of their buckling strength under pressure. The approaches considered here are 1) linear stability analysis using a two-dimensional model, 2) linear stability analysis using a three-dimensional model, 3) nonlinear bifurcation analysis using a two-dimensional model, and 4) nonlinear bifurcation analysis using a three-dimensional model. In-house computer programs based on p-version ring elements have been developed for these approaches. A homogenization technique has been utilized for treating composite laminates made of a large number of repetitions of a basic sequence of plies. The results are compared with those given by currently available computer codes such as BOSOR, ABAQUS, and others. For thin shells, linear stability analysis can significantly overestimate the buckling capacity. For moderately thick shells, the linear and nonlinear approaches give close results for overall buckling but can differ significantly for local buckling. This is largely due to end effects where the buckling mode is localized. For two-dimensional models, the precise manner of connecting the shell and stiffener seems to be important. As may be expected, as the thickness of the shell or the stiffener increases, the two-dimensional models are found to be less and less accurate.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call