Buckling of Cylindrical Shells with Quasi Elliptical Cutout under Axial Compression

Understanding how a cutout influences the load bearing capacity and buckling behavior of cylindrical shells is fundamental in the design of structural components used in automobiles, aircrafts, and marine structures. In this article, simulation and analysis of steel cylindrical shells with various lengths, include quasi elliptical cutout, subjected to axial compression were systematically carried out using finite element numerical method and the investigation examined the influence of the cutout size, cutout angle and the shell aspect ratio (L/D) on the buckling, and postbuckling responses of the moderately thick steel cylindrical shells. For several specimens an experimental investigation was also carried out via an INSTRON 8802 servo hydraulic machine. And the results obtained from the experiments were compared with numerical results. A very good accordance was observed between the results obtained from the finite element simulation and the experiments. Finally, corresponding to experimental and numerical results, an equation was presented for finding buckling load of such structures.