Three-dimensional vibration of cylindrical shell panels - solution by continuum and discrete approaches

This paper presents a three-dimensional elasticity solution to the free vib ration problem of thick cylindrical shell panels of rectangular planform. T he natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes were obtained for thic k cylindrical shell panels and detailed parametric investigations were carr ied out. Comparisons were also made with corresponding finite element simul ation results. To validate the accuracy of the results as well as the stabi lity of the present methodology, comprehensive convergence studies were als o carried out. Further comparisons of present results were made with existi ng experimental and numerical results (classical, first-order and higher-or der shell theories) available in open literature and the validity and range of applicability of the various shell theories examined.