Postbuckling analysis of circular cylindrical shell under combined loads

Abstract

The postbuckling behavior of circular cylindrical shells of finite length under the combined action of external pressure and axial compression is analyzed using the spline finite strip method. The basic formulae and computational strategies proposed by the authors are extended successfully to the present problem. Similar to the results obtained by the authors for the shell under axial compression or pressure, the postbuckling equilibrium path computed is closer to the experimental results than the existing analytical ones and the postbuckling contour map of equal radial deflection computed are in good agreement with the experimental results, not only in shape but also in the deflection amplitudes.