Effect of boundary conditions and geometry on the failure of cylindrical shell structures

In this paper, experimental and numerical studies are performed to determine the maximum deflection and strength of cylindrical shells. The considered models are subjected to concentrated loads applied progressively until plastic failure of the structures. In order to determine the effect of the geometrical parameters, several models with different thicknesses, lengths, and radius are considered and analysed with various boundary conditions. The numerical analysis is carried out by the finite element method using ABAQUS code. The main objective of the present investigation is to determine the maximum strength that caused damage of the models. The results of the experimental and numerical analysis are recorded, discussed and commented on. It is observed that the thickness, length,and radius dimensions with boundary conditions have great effect on the strength load values that create damage.