Dynamic instability analysis of circular conical shells

The dynamic instability analysis of truncated conical shell subjected to pe riodic in-plane load is investigated using C degrees two-noded shear flexib le shell element. The present model accounts for in-plane and rotary inerti a effects. The boundaries of the principal instability region obtained here are conveniently represented in the non-dimensional excitation frequency - non-dimensional load amplitude plane. The influences of various parameters such as cone orthotropicity, cone angle, ply-angle and elastic edge restra int on dynamic stability are brought out. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. Al l rights reserved.