Stability and Initial Post-Buckling Behavior of Orthotropic Cylindrical Sandwich Shells with Unidirectional Elastic Filler

The problem of the stability and initial post-buckling behavior of sandwich shells with transversely elastic light-weight filler is solved. The governing system of nonlinear equations is derived with allowance for structural discreteness that allows independent deformation of load-bearing layers. The system is solved with the asymptotic Koiter–Budiansky method. Structures composed of two cylindrical carbon-fiber shells interacting through a spring-type filler are analyzed. It is shown that the critical load under axial compression with like forces falls between the critical loads for the inner and outer shells. In the post-buckling state, the bending modes may be different. It is rational to increase the filler stiffness to a certain level.