Buckling characteristics of cross-ply elliptical cylinders under axial compression

Here, the elastic buckling characteristics of laminated cross-ply elliptical cylindrical shells under axial compression is studied through finite element approach. The formulation is based on higher-order theory that accounts for the transverse shear and transverse normal deformations, and incorporates realistic through the thickness approximations of the in-plane displacements. The strain-displacement relations are accurately accounted for in the formulation. The contributions of work done by applied load due to the higher-order function arising from the assumed displacement models are also incorporated. The governing equations obtained using the principle of minimum potential energy are solved through eigenvalue approach. The combined influence of higher-order:. shear deformation, shell geometry and elliptical cross-sectional parameter, and lay-up on the buckling loads of elliptical cylindrical shells is examined. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.