Finite element free vibration analysis of point supported laminated composite cylindrical shells

Abstract A finite element analysis for the free vibration behaviour of point supported laminated composite cylindrical shells is presented. Eight-noded curved quadrilateral isoparametric elements are used. The formulation is based on the assumptions of the first order shear deformation theory for thin, shallow shells. Some of the results obtained in the analysis are compared with those present in the existing literature. Several numerical results are also presented for selected material parameters, shell geometry and support spacing to study the free vibration characteristics of various point supported laminated composite cylindrical shells.