Current Research Related to Buckling of Shells for Offshore Structures

This paper discusses the recent experimental and analytical studies related to buckling of fabricated steel cylinders subjected to combinations of axial compression load and external pressure. The effects of initial imperfections and residual stresses are being investigated. A description of the test facilities and model geometries are given. The D/t ratios of the models range from 48 to 1000. The test programs include ring and stringer stiffened as well as ring stiffened cylinders.