ABSTRACT
New algorithms for the analysis of stability and load carrying capacity of various forms of shell have been developed based upon a finite difference descretisation of the nonlinear differential equations. The technique takes into account the nonlinear sub-critical state of the shells. It also allows determination of the buckling behaviour of non-ideal shells that have non-homogeneous material and geometric properties, non-uniform stress states, as well as localised and other irregularly shaped initial geometric imperfections, as outlined in the monographs of Gavrylenko (1989,1999). Here these new algorithms are used to determine the stability and load-carrying capacity of normally imperfect shells and those with local, dent-type, imperfections. Results from a recent collaborative research programme, comparing theoretical and experimental observations of the buckling of cylindrical shells containing localised dent damage, are presented and it is show that the theoretical predictions compare favourably with the experimental observations. It is suggested that this alternative approach opens up opportunities for the prediction of the critical parameters and peculiarities that control the buckling behaviour of imperfect shells.
