Numerical and experimental investigations on buckling of steel cylindrical shells with various cutouts

In this paper stability of thin steel cylindrical shells of various lengths including unilateral and bilateral cutouts with various shapes (square، rectangular، circular and elliptical shapes) subjected to axial compression were systematically studied with both experimental and finite element methods. Buckling tests were performed using an INSTRON 8802 servo hydraulic machine and the results of experimental tests were compared to numerical results. A very good correlation was observed between numerical simulations and experimental results. Results show that circumferential extension of various cutouts with identical area and stress concentration are effective parameters on buckling load of these structures.