Abstract
In this paper, a consistent method of stability analysis for reticulated cylindrical shells using the finite element method is presented. The basic equilibrium path which involves snap-through buckling is pursued by the proportional loading method and the bifurcation path is constructed applying the eigenvalue analysis. The accuracy of the present method is examined by numerical examples and then the method is applied to typical model calculations for pre- and post-buckling analysis of a rigidly jointed reticulated cylindrical shells. Summary of results obtained may by as follows. 1. Good convergency is obtained as a result of improvement of freedom of an axial displacement. 2. Linear buckling load is higher than non-linear buckling load even if the initial displacement matrix is included in the eigenvalue analysis. 3. As characteristic parameters of shell geometry, a lengthy ratio of both sides as well as shallowness is important. 4. Nonlinearity due to bending moment has a little influence upon the buckling behavior. 5. Asymmetrical bifurcation may occur even when there exist no snapthrough buckling on the basic equilibrium path.
