Imperfection Modeling for Buckling Analysis of Stiffened Cylinders
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 117, Issue 7
Abstract
The design of stiffened cylinders under load combinations that may cause buckling is often based on semi‐empirical “knockdown” factors, which relate the strength of an imperfect structure to the critical load of a perfect shell. This approach can be complemented by analyses that use general computer codes, taking account of both material and geometric nonlinearities. In this case, it is necessary to model in detail initial imperfections, which greatly influence strength predictions. This paper combines nonlinear finite element buckling‐strength analysis with the results of a statistical analysis on experimentally measured imperfections. Simulation methods are employed to estimate probabilistic imperfection properties, which are used to create a number of characteristic models required for strength analysis. It is shown that, by considering the variability and correlation of the parameters describing imperfections, simple rules can be established that clarify imperfection modeling in the finite element analysis of stringer‐stiffened cylinders under axial compression. Finally, the imperfection sensitivity of a particular geometry is studied parametrically, thus demonstrating the potential of imperfection surveys in shell structures.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 117 • Issue 7 • July 1991
Pages: 1998 - 2017
Copyright
Copyright © 1991 ASCE.
History
Published online: Jul 1, 1991
Published in print: Jul 1991
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