Prediction of the critical buckling load of composite cylindrical shells by using Vibration Correlation Technique

Due to unique properties, composite cylindrical shells are used extensively in aviation, marine and automotive industry. In recent decades, several studies have been done to predict the critical buckling load of composite cylindrical shells without breakdown or failure. One of the most important non-destructive methods is Vibration Correlation Technique (VCT). The aim of this research is the prediction of the critical buckling load of composite cylindrical shells by using VCT. For this purpose, linear and nonlinear vibration analysis of composite cylindrical shells were performed in different compressive loads by using finite element software ABAQUS, firstly. In the next step, linear buckling critical load was determined by using Rayle-Ritz and numerical methods. Then, non-linear critical buckling load of composite cylindrical shells was predicted by using VCT. To validate the results of VCT, five composite cylindrical shells were fabricated by using filament winding method with same conditions and axial compression test was done. Finally, the critical buckling load was measured experimentally. The results show that the difference between the critical buckling load of VCT with experimental buckling load is less than 3%. This subject implies that VCT is suitble for prediction of critical buckling load of composite cylindrical shells with very high accuracy.