Buckling analysis of composite cylindrical shell with cover under axial compressive load

Axial compressive failure test of composite cylindrical shell was carried out. The failure load and the load-strain curves were collected. The results show that the damage form of the cylindrical shell under axial compressive load is buckling failure. Software ANSYS was used to simulate the buckling process of cylindrical shell. The simulation results agree with the test results, which verify the finite model and the computation method. Based on the model, modified design of ply stacking-sequence for the cylindrical shell was carried out, and the influence of fiber ply angle on buckling load of the shell with opening was analyzed. A composite cover was installed to reinforce the composite cylindrical shell, and the buckling load of the cylindrical shell with cover under different ply methods was calculated. Results show that optimization of ply stacking-sequence can enhance the buckling load of the shell. The buckling load of the cylindrical shell with opening decreased significantly; while installation of the cover can reinforce the cylindrical shell effectively. A method to improve the axial buckling strength of composite cylindrical shell with cover was proposed, which can provide a reference to stability design of composite shells. ©, 2014, Jilin Daxue Xuebao (Gongxueban)/Journal of Jilin University (Engineering and Technology Edition). All right reserved.