Analysis of parametrically excited laminated composite joined conical-cylindrical shells

The dynamic instability analysis of a joined conical and cylindrical shell subjected to periodic in-plane load is investigated using C-0 two-noded she er flexible shell element. The formulation is based on first-order shear de formation theory. The present model accounts for in-plane and rotary inerti a effects. The instability regions are determined based on the principle of Bolotin's method. The boundaries of the principal instability region obtai ned here are conveniently represented in the non-dimensional excitation fre quency - non-dimensional load amplitude plane. The influence of various par ameters such as orthotropicity, cone angle, lay-up, combinations of differe nt sections, thickness ratio, circumferential wave number, static load, and external pressure on the dynamic stability regions of cross-ply laminates is brought out. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.