Linear and nonlinear stability analysis of cylindrical shells

Abstract The paper describes the application of a curved isoparametric shell element to large displacement analyses including instability phenomena. A total Lagrangian formulation has been adopted using the standard incremental/iterative solution procedure. The linear stability analyses usually performed for the initial position were repeated at several advanced fundamental states on the nonlinear prebuckling path. Thus a current estimate of the final failure load is given. The method has been applied to several perfect and imperfect cylindrical shells under uniform pressure or wind load. Finally the example of a cylindrical panel under one concentrated transverse load is discussed.