Parametric instability of doubly curved panels subjected to non-uniform harmonic loading

The parametric instability characteristics of doubly curved panels subjecte d to various in-plane static and periodic compressive edge loadings, includ ing partial and concentrated edge loadings are studied using finite element analysis. The first order shear deformation theory is used to model the do ubly curved panels, considering the effects of transverse shear deformation and rotary inertia. The theory used is the extension of dynamic, shear def ormable theory according to the Sander's first approximation for doubly cur ved shells. which can be reduced to Love's and Donnell's theories by means of tracers. The effects of static load factor, aspect ratio, radius-to-thic kness ratio, shallowness ratio, boundary conditions and the load parameters on the principal instability regions of doubly curved panels are studied i n detail using Bolotin's method. Quantitative results are presented to show the effects of shell geometry and load parameters on the stability boundar ies. Results for plates and cylindrical shells are also presented as specia l cases and are compared with those available in the literature. (C) 2001 A cademic Press.