Dynamic Response of Pressurized Thin Cylindrical Shells Subjected to Torsional Loads

This paper presents a theoretical analysis of the transient and steady-state response of a thin cylindrical shell of finite length, simply supported at both ends, under a uniform initial biaxial stress and subjected to either a circumferentially tangential harmonic point force of a sinusoidally distributed harmonic line load acting in the circumferential direction. The analyses are based on both Flugge’s and Donnell’s theories. Numerical results of the steady-state response are presented for both theories to illustrate the effects of various relevant parameters on the dynamic deflection, and to provide a direct comparison between Donnell’s and Flugge’s theories for dynamic loadings. This paper establishes the range of shell geometry for which Donnell’s equations give satisfactory results in predicting the steady-state response. The dynamic behavior after the first resonant frequency and the effect of initial stress on the dynamic response are also pointed out.