Orthotropic behaviour of shells and stability of uniaxially compressed cylinders

• Published in: Aeronautical journal 1993-03, Vol.97 (963), p.111-117
• Main Authors: Hanna, M. S., Beshara, A. W.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Buckling; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Physics; Solid mechanics; Structural and continuum mechanics
• ISSN: 0001-9240; 2059-6464
• DOI: 10.1017/S0001924000025197

Shells, stability under various types of loadings and their combinations have not yet been completely investigated. This is due to incomplete knowledge of shell philosophy. The aim of this study is to provide a complete and integrated method for treating shell problems on a pure statical basis. This study introduces shell orthotropic behaviour, discusses hoop stress resultant actions, and applies the shell equilibrium equations to a uniaxially compressed cylindrical shell with finite length and fixed ends. Theoretical results are also compared with previously published experimental work. The behaviour of shells in elastic and plasto-elastic range is discussed for a wide range of shell geometries (dimensions), material properties, methods of manufacture, material imperfections, and methods of load application. From this study we conclude mainly that shells behave orthotropically. Their flexural rigidities are related to their radii of curvature and the resultant buckling mode. The buckling strength of a shell depends on shell geometry, material properties, buckling mode and shell coefficient H. This shell coefficient is affected by the method of manufacture, existing imperfections, degree of plasticity, and the method of load application. H can be evaluated by experiment.