Non-linear vibrations of fluid-filled, simply supported circular cylindrical shells: Theory and experiments

The large-amplitude response of thin, simply supported circular cylindrical shells to a harmonic excitation in the spectral neighbourhood of one of the lowest natural frequencies is investigated. Donnell's nonlinear shallow-shell theory is used and the solution is obtained by Galerkin projection. A mode expansion including driven and companion modes, axisymmetric modes and additional asymmetric modes is used. In particular, asymmetric modes with twice the number of circumferential waves of driven and companion modes are included in the analysis. The boundary conditions on radial displacement and the continuity of circumferential displacement are exactly satisfied. The effect of internal quiescent, incompressible and inviscid fluid is investigated. The equations of motion are studied by using a code based on the Collocation Method. Validation of the present model is obtained by comparison with other authoritative results and new experimental results. The effect of the number of axisymmetric modes used in the expansion on the response of the shell is investigated, clarifying questions open for a long time. The contribution of additional longitudinal modes is absolutely insignificant in both the driven and companion mode responses. The effect of modes with harmonics of the circumferential mode number n under consideration is limited so far as the trend of nonlinearity is concerned, but is significant in the response with companion mode participation for lightly damped shells (empty shells). Results show the occurrence of travelling wave response in the proximity of the resonance frequency, the fundamental role of the first and third axisymmetric modes in the expansion of the radial deflection with one longitudinal half-wave, and limit cycle responses. A liquid (water) contained in the shell generates a much stronger softening behaviour of the system. Experiments with a water-filled circular cylindrical shell made of steel are in very good agreement with the present theory.