Buckling Analysis of Laminated Circular Cylindrical Shells Using a Two-Surface Theory

Abstract

In this paper a simple and efficient method is used for buckling analysis of a laminated circular cylindrical shell based on a two-surface theory. The governing buckling equations are expressed in terms of stress function (φ) and normal displacement (w). These two basic unknowns are solved using double trigonometric series, which satisfy the boundary conditions. The Galerkin procedure is then used to determine the buckling load and buckling mode. Comparison of the obtained numerical results with those given in the literature shows that the two-surface theory gives a fairly good estimate of critical load, especially for shells with thin walls. A slightly revised two-surface theory for non-shallow shells is also presented, which yields a better estimate of buckling load.