Denting Analysis Of Ring Stiffened Cylindrical Shells

The objective of this paper is to assess the effect of ring stiffeners on the local response of cylindrical shells subjected to large deflections caused by transverse concentrated loads. A new model has been developed to account for the strengthening of the shell in the circumferential direction as the deformation zone spreads away from the load application point. The model is general and can be applied to shells with any type of stiffeners. Strains and rotations were also determined in the dent-affected zone near the stiffeners. It was found that ring stiffened shells are more susceptible to fracture than similar shells with uniform thickness.