Response of composite shells with cutouts to internal pressure and compression loads

Results from a numerical study of the response of composite shells with cut outs and subjected to internal pressure and axial compression are presented . The numerical results are obtained using a geometrically nonlinear finite element code. Results for axial compression and combined internal pressure and axial compression an: presented. The effects of varying internal press ure and cutout size on the prebuckling, buckling, and postbuckling response s of the shell are described. Results indicate that the nonlinear interacti on between destabilizing in-plane compressive resultant stresses and out-of -plane displacements near the cutout can cause a local buckling response to occur near the cutout. The Local load distributions and displacements near the cutout can be affected hy the size of the cutout and by the internal p ressure load. Numerical results indicate that the buckling load decreases a s the size of the cutout is increased. In addition, the results indicate th at the buckling load increases as the internal pressure is increased.