Donnell Shell Theory Research Articles

Sub-harmonic and super-harmonic resonances of spiral stiffened FG cylindrical panels of variable thickness embedded within a nonlinear elastic foundation

This research devotes to study the behaviors of sub- and super-harmonic resonances of spiral stiffened functionally graded (SSFG) variable thickness cylindrical panels (VTCP) exposed to external loading. The panel considered is rested on a nonlinear elastic foundation (NEF), which is composed of two linear foundations namely Pasternak and Winkler foundations, and a nonlinear foundation with cubic stiffness. The cylindrical panels of variable thickness are reinforced with internal spiral stiffeners. Both the cylindrical panels and spiral stiffeners are considered to be continuously graded along their thickness direction. To model the spiral stiffeners, the smeared stiffeners technique is utilized, and for deriving the discretized nonlinear governing equation of the SSFG-VTCP, the improved Donnell shell theory, von-Kármán equation, and Galerkin’s method are applied. In continuing, to examine the sub- and super-harmonic resonances, the method of multiple scales is implemented. Also, to validate the present results, in addition to comparing the present results with that of the previous research, the response of super-harmonic resonance, which is obtained theoretically, is compared with the 4th-order P-T method.

Nonlinear torsional vibration and dynamic post-buckling responses of spiral stiffened functionally graded porous cylindrical shells

This study employs a semi-analytical approach to investigate the nonlinear torsional vibration and dynamic torsional post-buckling (DTPB) responses of spiral stiffened functionally graded (FG) porous (SSFGP) cylindrical shells. These shells are resting on a generalized nonlinear viscoelastic foundation (GNVEF). This foundation consists of a dual-parameter Winkler-Pasternak foundation augmented by a Kelvin-Voigt viscoelastic model. The model includes nonlinear cubic stiffness and takes damping effects into consideration. Within the scope of this research, two variations of SSFGP cylindrical shells are examined: those characterized by non-uniform and uniform porosity distributions. Employing the Donnell shell theory, von-Kármán nonlinear geometric assumptions, and Galerkin’s method, a discretized nonlinear governing equation is derived to analyze the behaviors of the shells. Consequently, explicit formulations for dynamic torsional load are meticulously obtained. The findings of the present study are validated by comparing them with the outcomes documented in existing literature, as well as through alignment with the P-T method. This research delves into the system’s nonlinear behaviors, with scrutinization of the effects of diverse factors such as material and geometrical parameters. The researchers and engineers in this field may use the findings of this research as benchmarks for their design and research of SSFGP cylindrical shells.

A New Analytical Approach for Nonlinear Global Buckling of Axially Compressed and Tensiled Sandwich Toroidal Shell Segments with CNTRC Coatings and Corrugated Core in Thermal Environment

In this paper, the nonlinear global buckling and postbuckling responses of axially compressed and tensiled sandwich toroidal shell segments with functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) coatings and corrugated core in the thermal environment are investigated. Three distributed types of FG-CNTRC coatings with two geometrical types of corrugated core, and three shell types including convex, concave, and cylindrical shells are considered. By adding the thermal forces to the governing equations, a homogenization model for corrugated structures is developed to simulate the thermal and mechanical behavior of the trapezoidal and round corrugated core. The potential energy expression of sandwich shells is established according to the Donnell shell theory with the nonlinearities of deflection, an algorithm to solve the governing equation is developed using the Ritz energy method, and three equilibrium equations are obtained respecting three amplitudes of deflection. The axial critical buckling loads and postbuckling curves of shells can be achieved after some calculations. The numerical examples prove the beneficial effects of corrugated core and CNTRC coatings on nonlinear global buckling responses of sandwich toroidal shell segments significantly.

Nonlinear torsional buckling of corrugated core sandwich toroidal shell segments with graphene-reinforced coatings in temperature change using the Ritz energy method

An investigation on the nonlinear torsional buckling of corrugated core sandwich toroidal shell segments with functionally graded graphene-reinforced composite (FG-GRC) laminated coatings in temperature change is mentioned in this paper using the Ritz energy method. The complex configuration of sandwich toroidal shell segments with double curvatures and the combination of the corrugated core and the FG-GRC coatings create the special behavior of structures. A homogenization model for corrugated structures and the extended Halpin-Tsai model can be applied to estimate the stiffnesses of shells. The effects of uniform temperature change are taken into account by supplementing the thermal forces into the total forces of shells. The Donnell shell theory and Pasternak's foundation model are used to establish the total potential energy of the structures. Ritz energy method is applied, and the closed condition and circumferential stress are taken into account, the postbuckling curve expressions of torsion-deflection and torsion-twist angle are obtained in explicit forms. The numerically obtained examples can show the significantly beneficial effects of FG-GRC laminated coatings and corrugated core on nonlinear buckling responses of structures.

Nonlinear thermo-elastic stability of corrugated-core toroidal shell segments with carbon nanotube-reinforced face sheets under radial pressure

An analytical approach for nonlinear buckling and postbuckling responses of corrugated-core toroidal shell segments with carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced face sheets in thermal environment subjected to radial pressure is reported in this work. Three distribution laws of functionally graded CNT-reinforced layers and the trapezoidal and round forms of the corrugated core are investigated. An equivalent technique for corrugated panels is improved by adding thermal forces to model the behavior of the corrugated core. The nonlinear equations are formulated by using the geometrically nonlinear Donnell shell theory considering Pasternak’s foundation. An algorithm to solve a system of nonlinear equations is established using the Ritz energy method with three shell deflection amplitudes. The postbuckling expressions between the compressive and tensile loads with maximal deflection and the critical compressive and tensile loads are determined. The numerically investigated examples present the significantly beneficial effects of corrugated core and functionally graded CNT-reinforced face sheets on nonlinear buckling responses of structures.

A new analytical approach for nonlinear thermo-mechanical postbuckling of FG-GPLRC circular plates and shallow spherical caps stiffened by spiderweb stiffeners

For the first time, the problem of nonlinear postbuckling of circular plates and shallow spherical caps reinforced by meridian, parallel stiffeners, and spiderweb stiffeners based on the Donnell shell theory (DST) and von Kármán geometric nonlinearities is presented. The caps/plates and stiffeners are made from functionally graded graphene platelet-reinforced composite (FG-GPLRC). These stiffened structures are subjected to uniformly distributed external pressure or/and uniformly distributed thermal loads and are rested on a nonlinear elastic foundation. By expanding Lekhnitskii's smeared stiffener technique and employing the Ritz method of energy, the formulas to determine the postbuckling curves of the external pressure–deflection and thermal load-deflection relations of stiffened plates/spherical caps are derived. Meaningful discussions of the various influences of FG-GPLRC stiffeners, material distributions of plate/cap and stiffeners, and geometrical, material, and foundation parameters are shown in the content of the numerical investigations.

A new analytical approach for nonlinear buckling and postbuckling of torsion-loaded FG-CNTRC sandwich toroidal shell segments with corrugated core in thermal environments

The design of the torsion-loaded toroidal shell segment with two functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) coatings and the corrugated core is presented. Round and trapezoidal shapes of the corrugated core are considered. A homogenization model for the corrugated core is applied to predict the stiffnesses of the corrugated core. The total potential energy equation, according to the Donnell shell theory, is established. The Ritz energy method is applied to determine the expressions of the buckling and postbuckling responses. The numerical investigations present the significantly beneficial effects of FG-CNTRC coatings and corrugated core on the buckling responses of the shells.

Nonlinear dynamics of bolted joined conical-cylindrical shells considering displacement-dependent characteristics

This paper investigates the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of joined conical-cylindrical shells (JCCSs) with bolt connection for the first time. In the process of developing mechanical model of the bolt connection, the displacement-dependent stiffness and damping are taken into account, which could simulate the change of the contact state at the connection interface under different excitations. Both theoretical and experimental studies are performed to illustrate the nonlinear vibration behaviors of the bolted JCCSs. Successive uniform distributed artificial springs between the conical and cylindrical shells are adopted to simulate the rigid joint of the two shells. Donnell's shell theory is employed in theoretical modeling, and the governing equation is obtained by the Lagrange equation. The displacement admissible function applied in the research is Chebyshev polynomial. By comparison with existing literature and experimental data, the accuracy of present theoretical model is validated. It is found that both theory and experiment show a dynamic softening phenomenon with the increase of excitation level. Taking the displacement-dependent characteristics in bolt connection zone into consideration can effectively illustrate this soft phenomenon. The established model is capable of predicting the nonlinear vibration characteristics of JCCSs with bolt connection.

Nonlinear dynamic response and vibration of spiral stiffened FG toroidal shell segments with variable thickness

In this study, the nonlinear vibratory responses and primary resonance (PR) of the spiral stiffened functionally graded (SSFG)-toroidal shell segments (TSSs) are investigated. The shell segments considered are with variable thickness and subjected to external excitations. Both the concave and convex TSSs are investigated in this study. The TSSs considered are reinforced with internal spiral stiffeners and are assumed to be continuously graded along their thickness direction. To model the stiffeners, the smeared stiffeners technique is utilized. Also, the improved Donnell shell theory, von-Kármán nonlinear geometric assumptions, and Galerkin’s method are applied to derive the discretized nonlinear governing equation of SSFG-TSSs with variable thickness. To examine the PR responses, the multiple scales method is utilized. To investigate the nonlinear vibratory behaviors, the 4th order P-T method is used. Although the results of the present research are verified with previous research available in the literature, the response of nonlinear vibration is compared with the 4th order Runge–Kutta (R-K) method as well. The influences of geometrical and material parameters on the natural frequencies, nonlinear vibration, and PR responses of SSFG-TSSs are also studied.

Buckling and Postbuckling of Laterally Pressured Sandwich FG-GRC Laminated Toroidal Shell Segments with Corrugated Core in Thermal Environment

The nonlinear buckling behaviors of sandwich functionally graded graphene reinforced composite (FG-GRC) laminated toroidal shell segments with corrugated core under lateral pressure in thermal environment are reported in this study. Three distributed types of the FG-GRC face sheets and two forms of corrugation including the trapezoidal and round corrugations are considered. By adding the thermal forces into an existing equivalent technique, the behavior of the corrugated core is modelled. The nonlinear formulations can be obtained by using the nonlinear Donnell shell theory taking into account the shell-foundation interaction. The Ritz energy procedure is used for three states of deflection to obtain the postbuckling curve expressions of the load-maximal deflection. The bifurcation buckling type of critical buckling pressure is obtained in the explicit form. The numerical examinations present the significant effects of corrugated core and FG-GRC laminated face sheets on nonlinear buckling behaviors of shells.

Nonlinear Stability and Vibration Analyses of Functionally Graded Variable Thickness Toroidal Shell Segments Reinforced with Spiral Stiffeners

In this study, an analysis of nonlinear stability and vibration of functionally graded (FG) variable thickness toroidal shell segments (TSSs) reinforced with spiral stiffeners exposed to axial loading is presented using a combination of semi-analytical and analytical methods. Three types of variable thickness TSSs, including concave, convex, and cylindrical shells (CSs), are studied. Moreover, these structures are reinforced by external spiral stiffeners with various angles whose material properties are considered to be continuously graded along the thickness direction. In this regard, the smeared stiffeners technique is utilized to model the stiffeners, and the Donnell shell theory and the von Kármán equation are applied to derive the nonlinear governing equation for variable thickness TSSs reinforced with spiral stiffeners. Galerkin’s method is then used to obtain a discretized nonlinear governing equation to analyze the shells’ behavior. Also, the fourth-order P-T method is applied to analyze the nonlinear dynamic behaviors and the Budiansky–Roth criteria are used to examine the dynamic post-buckling (DPB) behavior. In this regard, it is noted that in terms of reliability and accuracy, the fourth-order P-T method has demonstrated advantages over the other numerical methods. Results are reported to evaluate the influences of stiffeners with different angles and input factors on the nonlinear vibration, dynamic and static post-buckling (SPB) behaviors of FG variable thickness TSSs reinforced with spiral stiffeners.

The impact of periodic axial loads on nonlinear dynamic instability behavior of Inconel 625 pipes

In various engineering fields like aerospace and aircraft structures or marine and offshore platforms, constitutive material of critical components should be made of specific materials that can work properly in the required workspace. Such materials must have excellent properties such as high mechanical strength as well as great resistance to corrosion, oxidation, and creep. Inconel 625 is a superalloy that is chosen as constitutive material of critical components due to its great abilities. On the other hand, since investigating Inconel 625 pipe has not been done yet, different mechanical characteristics of using structures made of Inconel 625 should be assessed. Additionally, doing so would be necessary to gather information for current industrial affairs and also future investigations. Therefore, the nonlinear dynamic instability response of axially loaded Inconel 625 pipes is investigated in the current article. The pipe structure is modeled via the Donnell shell theory and nonlinear von Kármán theory. The motion equations of pipes are established by applying the Hamiltonian approach. Then, in order to alter the nonlinear derived partial differential equations into the Mathieu-Hill equation, both Navier's solution and Airy stress function are implemented. Additionally, the amplitudes of steady-state oscillation of the Inconel 625 pipe are determined by employing Bolotin's method. Eventually, the impacts of various effective parameters on the nonlinear dynamic behaviors of Inconel 625 pipes are evaluated. The results indicate static and dynamic load factors possess a remarkable effect on instability exciting areas and steady-state vibration amplitudes of pipe. Moreover, the dynamic instability response of the pipe is dependent on the radius-to-thickness and length-to-radius ratios, and also how the ratios are affected depends on the wave number.

A Comparison of Shell Theories for Vibration Analysis of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Based on an Anisotropic Elastic Shell Model.

In the present paper, a comparison is conducted between three classical shell theories as applied to the linear vibrations of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs); specifically, the evaluation of the natural frequencies is conducted via Donnell, Sanders, and Flügge shell theories. The actual discrete SWCNT is modelled by means of a continuous homogeneous cylindrical shell considering equivalent thickness and surface density. In order to take into account the intrinsic chirality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), a molecular based anisotropic elastic shell model is considered. Simply supported boundary conditions are imposed and a complex method is applied to solve the equations of motion and to obtain the natural frequencies. Comparisons with the results of molecular dynamics simulations available in literature are performed to check the accuracy of the three different shell theories, where the Flügge shell theory is found to be the most accurate. Then, a parametric analysis evaluating the effect of diameter, aspect ratio, and number of waves along the longitudinal and circumferential directions on the natural frequencies of SWCNTs is performed in the framework of the three different shell theories. Assuming the results of the Flügge shell theory as reference, it is obtained that the Donnell shell theory is not accurate for relatively low longitudinal and circumferential wavenumbers, for relatively low diameters, and for relatively high aspect ratios. On the other hand, it is found that the Sanders shell theory is very accurate for all the considered geometries and wavenumbers, and therefore, it can be correctly adopted instead of the more complex Flügge shell theory for the vibration modelling of SWCNTs.

Vibrations of joined conical-cylindrical shells with bolt connections: Theory and experiment

This paper investigated the vibration characteristics of joined conical-cylindrical shells (JCCSs) with bolt loosening boundary conditions both theoretically and experimentally. The non-uniform arc constraint model is established to simulate the bolt loosening boundary conditions by the artificial spring technology, which can describe the actual bolt contact pressure distribution. Continuously distributed artificial springs are introduced to realize the connection of the conical and cylindrical shells. Donnell's shell theory and Chebyshev polynomials are adopted to establish the theoretical model, and the dynamic equation is derived from the Lagrange equation. The validity of the present model is verified by the available literature, hammer test and vibration shaker test. The results indicate that the maximum errors of natural frequencies and resonant displacements are less than 4.41% and 18.6%, respectively. It is found that bolt loosening has a significant effect on the fundamental frequency, but it gradually weakens with the increase of the mode order. Increasing bolt loosening degree can lead to an increment of resonant displacement. The developed model is reliable in estimating the dynamic behaviors of bolted JCCSs with different loosening degrees, and it contributes to providing guidance in the design and service process of combined shell structures.

Natural frequency investigation of graphene oxide powder nanocomposite cylindrical shells surrounded by Winkler/Pasternak/Kerr elastic foundations with a focus on various boundary conditions

For the first time, the present research examines the free vibration responses, Natural Frequencies (NFs), of Graphene Oxide Powder (GOP) nanocomposite cylindrical shells surrounded by three types of elastic foundations considering different Boundary Conditions (BCs). To support this, the effects of various BCs are examined on the NFs related to the GOP Nanocomposite Cylindrical Shells (GOPNCS). In addition, elastic foundations are characterized by three factors: Winkler, Pasternak, and Kerr. Addedly, First-order Shear Deformation Theory (FSDT) and Donnell's shell theory are combined to discover the fundamental formulations related to the GOPNCS structures. Then, the equations of motion related to the GOPNCS are formulated employing Hamilton's principle. In subsequent, the equations associated with the previous step are discretized by implementing the Generalized Differential Quadrature Method (GDQM), counted as the mesh reduction method. Afterward, the standard eigenvalue determination is employed to determine the NFs associated with the GOPNCS. Ultimately, multiple benchmarks are answered to authenticate the scheme recommended for determining the NFs of the GOPNCS. Further, numerous original problems are arranged and highlight the effects of changes in material and geometrical features, various BCs, and three types of elastic foundations on the NFs related to the GOPNCS.

Nonlinear buckling and post-buckling of imperfect FG porous sandwich cylindrical panels subjected to axial loading on elastic foundation

This paper deals with the nonlinear buckling and post-buckling of sandwich cylindrical panels with non-uniform porous core and functionally graded face sheets. The imperfect sandwich cylindrical panels are subjected to axial loading on elastic foundation. Based on the Donnell shell theory, with von Kármán geometrical nonlinearity, the governing equations are derived. The effects of elastic foundation, various panel geometrical characteristics, porosity parameters, and the thickness of the porous core are investigated. The effects of foundation parameters, porosity parameters, the thickness of the porous core, and material parameters are investigated.

Buckling Behavior of Sandwich Cylindrical Shells Covered by Functionally Graded Coatings with Clamped Boundary Conditions under Hydrostatic Pressure.

The buckling behavior of sandwich shells with functionally graded (FG) coatings operating under different external pressures was generally investigated under simply supported boundary conditions. Since it is very difficult to determine the approximation functions satisfying clamped boundary conditions and to solve the basic equations analytically within the framework of first order shear deformation theory (FOST), the number of publications on this subject is very limited. An analytical solution to the buckling problem of FG-coated cylindrical shells under clamped boundary conditions subjected to uniform hydrostatic pressure within the FOST framework is presented for the first time. By mathematical modeling of the FG coatings, the constitutive relations and basic equations of sandwich cylindrical shells within the FOST framework are obtained. Analytical solutions of the basic equations in the framework of the Donnell shell theory, obtained using the Galerkin method, is carried out using new approximation functions that satisfy clamped boundary conditions. Finally, the influences of FG models and volume fractions on the hydrostatic buckling pressure within the FOST and classical shell theory (CT) frameworks are investigated in detail.

Torsional buckling and postbuckling behavior of stiffened FG-GRCL toroidal shell segments surrounded by elastic foundation

In this study, a new algorithm for the nonlinear buckling behavior of the stiffened functionally graded graphene-reinforced composite laminated (FG-GRCL) toroidal shell segments in the thermal environment surrounded by the elastic foundation and subjected to torsional load is introduced. The FG-GRCL shell segment is stiffened by the FG-GRCL ring and/or stringer stiffener system. Based on the Donnell shell theory with the Stein and McElman approximation, considering the von Karman geometrical nonlinearity and the anisotropic smeared stiffener technique for FG-GRCL stiffeners, the formulations to investigate the critical buckling load and postbuckling torsional load-deflection curves are determined. A new algorithm is fully developed by adding the effect of circumferential stress into the stress function. The significant effects of temperature, stiffener system, geometrical parameters, and elastic foundation are considered and studied in detail.

Vibrational characteristics of fastening of a spherical shell with a coupled conical-conical shells strengthened with nanocomposite sandwiches contained agglomerated CNT face layers and GNP core under spring boundary conditions

The following paper is prepared to compute the Natural Frequency Parameters (NFPs) linked to the Fastened Spherical-Conical-Conical Shell (FSCCS) structures composted of Nanocomposite Sandwich (NS) materials under the effects of springs as Boundary Conditions (BCs). To explain, the NS material implemented here is made of three layers covering Top Face Layer (TFL), Bottom Face Layer (BFL), and Core Layer (CL). In addition, the TFL and BFL are composed of Carbon Nano Tube (CNT) nano-fillers with agglomeration characteristics, while the CL benefits from Graphene Nano Platelet (GNP) nano-materials. For more information, the mechanical values related to the Agglomerated Carbon Nano-Tube Nanocomposite (ACNTN) material composer the TFL and BFL (ACNTN-TFL and ACNTN-BFL) are carried out by the Eshelby-Mori-Tanaka Approach (EMTA). At the same time, the Halpin-Tsai Approach (HTA) is used to extract these values for GNP-CL. To add more, four different sandwich models are implemented by considering the compatibility between layers. Moreover, the First Order Shear Deformation Theory (FOSDT) and Donnell's Shell Theory (DST) are exploited to obtain the primary relationships of the FSCCS segments. Hamilton's strategy is also operated to derive the Governing Differential Equations (GDEs) of the FSCCS's components. Further, the well-systematized computational meshless method tagged the Generalized Differential Quadrature (GDQ) program is carried out to discrete the GDEs coupled with the structure's segments. Furthermore, the calculation of the eigenvalues is implemented to compute the NFPs of the FSCCS structure. After that, to credit the submitted program, the outputs related to the FSCCS calculated by the present framework are analogized with the responses linked to the FE-based commercial software. In the last, multiple examples are styled and computed to point to the influences of the different material, geometric, and BCs forms on the NFPs of the NS-FSCCS structures, including 12 different geometry types related to the NS-FSCCS.

Applicability and Limitations of Ru’s Formulation for Vibration Modelling of Double-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

In this paper, a comparison is conducted between two different formulations of the van der Waals interaction coefficient between layers, as applied to the vibrations of double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs); specifically, the evaluation of the natural frequencies is achieved through Ru’s and He’s formulations. The actual discrete DWCNT is modelled by means of a couple of concentric equivalent continuous thin cylindrical shells, where Donnell shell theory is adopted to obtain strain-displacement relationships. In order to take into account the chirality effect of DWCNT, an anisotropic elastic shell model is considered. Simply supported boundary conditions are imposed and the Rayleigh–Ritz method is used to obtain approximate natural frequencies and mode shapes. A parametric analysis considering different values of diameters and numbers of waves along longitudinal and circumferential directions is performed by adopting Ru’s and He’s formulations. From the comparisons, it is evident that Ru’s formulation provides unsatisfactory results for relatively low values of diameters and relatively high numbers of circumferential waves with respect to the more accurate He’s formulation. This behaviour is observed for every number of longitudinal half-waves. Therefore, Ru’s formulation cannot be used for the vibration modelling of DWCNTs in a large range of diameters and wavenumbers.