This article presents a parametric study for the determination of the
flexibility and stiffness of a cylindrical shell at its support locati
on. The parametric equation incorporates the geometric variables of bo
th cylindrical shell and support; namely, the shell radius, thickness,
and length, and the support width and embracing angle. A mathematical
model has been devised to provide the theoretical data of flexibiliti
es for establishing the parametric equation. The model is based on a c
ontact stress formulation and uses a cylindrical shell theory. The val
idity and accuracy of the proposed parametric equation has been checke
d against available experimental results obtained from literature. The
re is close agreement between the two. The present study and results s
hould be useful to designers who wish to determine the induced support
force (or displacement) due to applied displacement (or force) at the
support.