Nonlinear dynamic stability of cylindrical shells under pulsating axial loading via Finite Element analysis using numerical time integration

Nonlinear dynamic stability investigations for isotropic and composite cylindrical shells under pulsating axial loading are carried out through Finite Element analysis using numerical time integration. In particular, im- portant characteristics of the geometrically nonlinear behaviour are systematically studied through Finite Element analysis. The results of the Finite Element analysis are compared with results obtained in earlier studies using semi-analytical procedures. In order to facilitate the evaluation and the comparison of these two com- plementary approaches, a modal projection procedure has been developed for the Finite Element analysis. Critical dynamic loads and frequency-response curves for isotropic and composite shells under pulsating loading obtained with the Finite Element analysis using numerical time integration are shown to be generally in good qualitative agreement with the results of earlier semi-analytical work. The analysis of the modal amplitude achieved via the modal projection procedure also makes it possible to study the interactions between con- tributing modes and to observe and interpret interesting phenomena such as the occurrence of travelling waves in the circumferential direction of the shell.