Buckling Analysis of Cylindrical Shells of Axially Variable Wall Thickness Partially Subjected to External and Internal Liquid Pressures

Abstract

The finite element method is applied to buckling analysis of cylindrical shells of axially variable wall thickness partially subjected to external and internal liquid pressures. The effects of the internal liquid height and the difference of mass density between external and internal liquids on the buckling liquid height are investigated. Based on the results of the finite element analyses, the simplified equations to calculate buckling liquid height with the effect of internal liquid are established. The simplified equations are applied to buckling analysis of model tanks and the validity of the simplified equations for buckling analysis of cylindrical shells of axially variable wall thickness are demonstrated.