Studying Efect of Geometrical Parameters on the

Buckling of Cylindrical Shells under Hydrostatic

Pressure
Mohammad Hadi Hajmohammad
1
, Javad Faraji
1
, Ali Mokhtari
1
, Mohammad Reza Khosrojerdi
1

and Taghi Sharaf
2*
1
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imam Hossein University, Tehran, Iran; m.hemmatesfe@gmail.com,
farajimail1368@yahoo.com, ali.mokhtari1984@yahoo.com, khosrojerdi.mohammadreza@gmail.com
2
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran;
Taghisharaf1954@gmail.com
Abstract
In this paper, we study the efect of diameter and thickness of a shell as well as the reinforcement rings on buckling of
cylindrical shells under external hydrostatic pressure. Bucking equations are based on standard of ABC underwater ves-
sels.
Using the relations in diferent diameters, tolerable buckling load has been obtained with shell, by changing the thick-
ness of shell and distance of reinforcement rings in definite range. Results obtained from buckling pressure in diferent
diameters and for diferent ratios of D/t and D/L are given and finally a diagram has been presented for designing and
determining diferent parameters of reinforced cylindrical shell after comparing them.
Keywords: Buckling, External Hydrostatic Pressure, Reinforcement Ring, Cylindrical Shell.
*Corresponding author:
Taghi Shara (Taghishara1954@gmail.com)
Indian Journal of Science and Technology, Vol 6(11), 55275532, November 2013
Nomenclature:
L distance between reinforcements (the
highest value between L
b
and L
s
)
R mean radius of shell

t thickness of shell P
y
yield pressure of middle plane between cylindrical
reinforcements
P
m
Von Mises buckling pressure for cylinder P
c
reinforced cylindrical pressure limit
P applied external pressure
y
yield strength
Poisson coefcients E elastic module
L
s
center to center distance of reinforcement
rings
L
b
net distance between reinforcement rings
A
s
surface area of reinforcement rings t
w
reinforcement wedge thickness
1. Introduction
Cylindrical shells are widely used in diferent industries.
In marine industries, these shells are used for construc-
tion of underwater vessels. Cylindrical shells will be under
hydrostatic pressure when placed under deep water. For
shells under hydrostatic pressure, buckling will be highly
important such that stresses which are applied on shell
in tolerable buckling pressure are much lower than fnal
strength of its material. To increase tolerable limit of
Studying Eect of Geometrical Parameters on the Buckling of Cylindrical Shells under Hydrostatic Pressure
Indian Journal of Science and Technology | Print ISSN: 0974-6846 | Online ISSN: 0974-5645
5528
Vol 6 (11) | November 2013 | www.indjst.org
buckling pressure in cylindrical shells under external
hydrostatic pressure, reinforcement rings are used in
defnite distances. Tese rings sometimes have been used
inside the shell and sometimes out of shell.
Extensive studies have been conducted on buckling
of cylindrical shells under hydrostatic pressure. Ross
mentioned that if long cylindrical or conical shells have
no reinforcement rings, their buckling resistance under
external hydrostatic pressure will be considerably reduced
[1]. If reinforcement rings are not strong enough or shell
is very long, the entire shell can be destroyed. Tis kind
of destruction is recognized as general stability [2].
Timoshenko and Gere have presented a classical solu-
tion of buckling pressure of long cylindrical shells with
uniform thickness under external hydrostatic pressure by
considering plane strain for cylinder and solving buckling
load of a ring [3]. Jonaidi et al. [4] proposes an expression
used to calculate the critical stress of curved panels under
sinusoidal loading of the bottom edge. Tese panels cor-
respond to cylindrical shells under diferential settlement
of harmonic form. Te efect of variation in the thickness
of the shell was considered. Te shear-buckling mode
was observed at small n (<5) in shells of uniform thick-
ness. With increasing n, the mode becomes dominated
by axial buckling. In tapered shells, shear buckling occurs
at the top of the shell, even at high n. When the behavior
is dominated by axial compression buckling, the criti-
cal stress is higher than the classical critical stress under
uniform compression, this is because the loading is sinu-
soidal, and is applied only at one end of the shell. Te
critical peak stress level is low at small values of n, due to
the occurrence of shear buckling, which is itself strongly
afected by the level of circumferential restraint at the top
and base. Greater fexibility in circumferential restraint
has the efect of increasing the critical displacement level
at low n, for practical geometries.
Limam Ali et al. [5] design standards dealing with
thin cylindrical shells subjected to bending, axial com-
pression and internal pressure. Tis contribution gives
some explanations on the behavior of such loaded struc-
tures; in particular, the case of combined loads as internal
pressure and bending, or pressure, bending and shear is
investigated. Parametrical experimental study highlights
the stabilizing efect of internal pressure; in the simula-
tion only the large displacement approach confrms the
enhancement of the load capacity due to the pressur-
ization. Te importance of the coupling between shear
and bending is shown in the chapter using parametric
numerical studies. Under pure bending, the critical stress
is equivalent to the classical stress. Te strengthening
efect of pressure found experimentally is corroborated
only by large displacements calculations. Taking a local-
ized axisymmetric imperfection into account allows a
dimensioning approach.
Te sensitivity of metal cylinder strength to geometric
imperfections is well known. Because diferent imperfec-
tion forms and diferent amplitudes have quite diferent
efects on cylinder strength, there has been a long search
for the most serious imperfection, constrained by the fact
that this imperfection must be, in some sense, reasonably
likely to be detected in a real structure afer construction.
Te worst imperfections currently known are far from
practical. Te search for practically useful and credible
modes of imperfections has led to study by Holst et al.
[6] about the geometric imperfections arising from mis-
fts of construction. Imperfections in the form of residual
stresses have only rarely been investigated, and the chal-
lenges facing a rigorous treatment of them have ofen
not been faced. Tis chapter adopts a rigorous treat-
ment technique to investigate residual stresses and their
efect on the axial compression buckling strength under
elastic conditions. It achieves this by considering con-
sistent stress and displacement felds arising from local
geometrical incompatibilities, and adopting the incon-
sequent geometric imperfections. Te calculations of
the strength of imperfect shells with residual stresses are
compared with corresponding calculations for the same
imperfections but with the residual stresses annealed out
of the analysis. Teir results show that consistent residual
stresses generally appear to strengthen a thin shell rela-
tive to the corresponding strength with only geometric
imperfections present.
Ross and Little have presented a design diagram for pre-
dicting buckling pressure based on results of experimental
test on three samples of conical shell as well as results of
research by others [7]. Te buckling of thin cylindrical
shells with very large Batdorf parameters under external
pressure carried out by Abdelmoula et al. [8]. We frst per-
form a simplifed analysis from which we obtain explicit
formulae for the critical load. An asymptotic analysis is
carried out with a view to determining the efects of the
boundary conditions on the critical loads and buckling
shapes. Te inverse of the Batdorf parameter is the con-
venient small parameter of the analysis. Among the whole
set of boundary conditions, the axial boundary conditions
are found to be have crucially important at the frst order.
Mohammad Hadi Hajmohammad, Javad Faraji, Ali Mokhtari, Mohammad Reza Khosrojerdi and Taghi Shara
Indian Journal of Science and Technology | Print ISSN: 0974-6846 | Online ISSN: 0974-5645
5529
Vol 6 (11) | November 2013 | www.indjst.org
Tis analysis also shows the existence of boundary layers
in which the remaining boundary conditions are only sig-
nifcant at the second order, at the very most.
Te comparison of a reliability technique that employs
a Fourier series representation of random axisymmetric
and asymmetric imperfections in a cylindrical pressure
vessel subjected to an axial end load and external pres-
sure, with evaluations prescribed by the ASME Boiler
and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division 2 Rules
done by Gurinder Singh Brar [9]. Te ultimate goal of
the reliability technique described herein is to predict the
critical buckling load associated with the subject cylin-
drical pressure vessel. Initial geometric imperfections are
shown to have a signifcant efect on the calculated load
carrying capacity of the vessel. Fourier decomposition
was employed to interpret imperfections as structural
features that can be easily related to various other types
of defned imperfections. Te initial functional descrip-
tion of the imperfections consists of an axisymmetric
portion and a deviant portion, which are availed in the
form of a double Fourier series. Fify simulated shells
generated by the Monte Carlo technique are employed
in the fnal prediction of the critical buckling load. Te
representation of initial geometrical imperfections in the
cylindrical pressure vessel requires the determination
of respective Fourier coefcients. Multi-mode analyses
are expanded to evaluate a large number of potential
buckling modes for both predefned geometries in com-
bination with asymmetric imperfections as a function of
position within the given cylindrical shell. Te probabil-
ity of the ultimate buckling stress exceeding a predefned
threshold stress is also calculated. Te method and
results described herein are in stark contrast to the
knockdown factor approach as applied to compressive
stress evaluations currently utilized in industry. Further
efort is needed to improve on the current design rules
regarding column buckling of large diameter pres-
sure vessels subjected to an axial end load and external
pressure designed in accordance with ASME Boiler
and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division 2 and
ASME STS-1.
Buckling solution for cylindrical shell with lim-
ited length under uniform lateral pressure and diferent
boundary conditions are given in reference [10].
In this paper, efects of geometrical parameters of shell
like diameter and thickness as well as distance between
reinforcement rings on buckling of shell are studied.
Results have been presented as diagrams based on the
above parameters and fnally a diagram has been pre-
sented for being used in design of all kinds of cylindrical
shells with diferent diameter and thickness and for difer-
ent tolerable buckling pressure.
2. Schematic Diagram and
Mathematic Formulation
In cylindrical shells, reinforcement rings inside or outside
shell are used in cylindrical shells to increase tolerable
buckling pressure. In Figure 1, outline of a reinforced
cylindrical shell and its parameters are specifed.
Te maximum buckling pressure for a cylindrical
shell with reinforcement rings is obtained from the fol-
lowing relations:
P
P P
P
c
m m
y

2
1
Figure 1. Schematic diagram of cylindrical shell.
Studying Eect of Geometrical Parameters on the Buckling of Cylindrical Shells under Hydrostatic Pressure
Indian Journal of Science and Technology | Print ISSN: 0974-6846 | Online ISSN: 0974-5645
5530
Vol 6 (11) | November 2013 | www.indjst.org
P P
P
P
P
P
c y
y
m
m
y

j
(
,
\
,
(
< 1
2
1 3
P P
P
P
c y
m
y
>
5
6
3
where,
P
E
t
R
L
R
t
R
m

j
(
\
,
( )
j
(
\
,
,

,
]
]
]
2 42
2
1
2
0 45
2
5
2
3
4
1
2
2
.
.
P
t R
F
y
y

/
1
F
A G
A t t
NLt
w

,
]
]
]
+ +
1
2
2

M
L
Rt

( )
,

]
]
3 1
2
1
4
.M
Q

2
N
Q Q
Q Q

( ) ( )
( ) + ( )
cosh cos
sinh sin
2 2
2 2
G
Q Q Q Q
Q Q

+ ( )
( ) + ( )
2
2 2
sinh cos cosh sin
sinh sin
A
j
(
,
\
,
(
j
(
,
A
R
R
for reinforcement Out of the body
= A
R
R
s
s
s
s
2
\\
,
(
for reinforcement inside the body
3. Results and Discussion
In Figure 3, results of buckling pressure for diferent ratios
of D/t are presented. Te above results in a special diam-
eter are calculated.
Figure 2. Detail of reinforcement rings.
D/L
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
P
(
M
p
a
)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
D/t=50
60
70
80
90
100
125
150

Figure 3. Buckling pressure for diferent ratios of D/t.
Mohammad Hadi Hajmohammad, Javad Faraji, Ali Mokhtari, Mohammad Reza Khosrojerdi and Taghi Shara
Indian Journal of Science and Technology | Print ISSN: 0974-6846 | Online ISSN: 0974-5645
5531
Vol 6 (11) | November 2013 | www.indjst.org

D/L
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
P
(
M
p
a
)
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
0.75
1
1.5
2
2.5

D/L
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
P
(
M
p
a
)
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
6.0
0.75
1
1.5
2
2.5


D/L
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
P
(
M
p
a
)
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
0.75
1
1.5
2
2.5

D/L
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
P
(
M
p
a
)
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
0.75
1
1.5
2
2.5

) d ) c
D/L
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
P
(
M
p
a
)
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
0.75
1
1.5
2
2.5

D/L
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
P
(
M
p
a
)
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
0.75
1
1.5
2
2.5

) f ) e
D/L
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
P
(
M
p
a
)
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
0.75
1
1.5
2
2.5

D/L
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
P
(
M
p
a
)
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
2.0
0.75
1
1.5
2
2.5

) h ) g
) a ) b
Figure 4. Buckling pressure in diferent diameter for a) D/t=50 b) D/t=60 c) D/t=70 d) D/t=80 e) D/t=90 f) D/t=100
g) D/t=125 h) D/t=150.
Studying Eect of Geometrical Parameters on the Buckling of Cylindrical Shells under Hydrostatic Pressure
Indian Journal of Science and Technology | Print ISSN: 0974-6846 | Online ISSN: 0974-5645
5532
Vol 6 (11) | November 2013 | www.indjst.org
Te fgures have been calculated for each one of the
D/t ratios above and in diferent diameters.
As shown in the above Figure 4, curves are fully super-
posed in low D/L ratios and the higher the D/t ratio, the
higher the superposition.
It is also noticed that curves are very close to each
other in high diameters of curves even in high D/L ratio
and one can present a unit curve to calculate buckling
pressure in these diameters. Te reason for diference of
curves in high D/L ratio is that relation P
y
is not dimen-
sionless considering the presented relations and
P
P
m
y
ratio
has increased with increase of D/L ratio and the second
and third relations will be used to calculate buckling pres-
sure which will cause diference in results (Figure 5).
4. Conclusion
Accurate buckling pressure diagram can be given in difer-
ent D/t ratios for high diameters by comparing the above
diagrams. Tis diameter can be used in low diameters. In
this case, results will be accurate for low D/L ratios and
will be cautious for higher ratios.
5. References
1. Ross C T F (2001). Pressure Vessels: External Pressure
Technology, Horwood Publishing Ltd, Chichester, UK,
357386.
2. Kendrick S (1965). Te buckling under internal pressure
of ring-stifened circular cylinders. Transactions of RINA,
vol 107, 135156.
3. Timoshenko S P, and Gere J M (1962). Teory of Elastic
Stability, Journal of Applied Mechanics, vol 29, 220.
4. Jonaidi M, and Ansourian P (1999). Buckling of cylindri-
cal shells subjected to edge vertical deformation, Advances
in Steel Structures (ICASS 99), vol II, 679686.
5. Ali L, and Franois J J (2002). Buckling of thin pressur-
ized cylindrical shells under bending load, Advances in
Steel Structures (ICASS 99), vol II, 675682.
6. Holst J M F G, and Rotter J M (2002). Buckling
strength of cylinders with a consistent residual stress
state, Advances in Steel Structures (ICASS 02), vol II,
729736.
7. Ross C T F, and Little A P F (2007). Design charts for the
general instability of ring-stifened conical shells under
external hydrostatic pressure, Tin-Walled Structures,
vol 45(2), 199208.
8. Abdelmoula R, and Leger A (2008). Singular perturba-
tion analysis of the buckling of circular cylindrical shells,
European Journal of Mechanics - A/Solids, vol 27(4),
706729.
9. Brar G B, Hari Y et al. (2013). Fourier series analysis of a
cylindrical pressure vessel subjected to axial end load and
external pressure, International Journal of Pressure Vessels
and Piping, vol 107, 2737.
10. Pinna R, and Ronalds B F (2000). Hydrostatic buckling
of shells with various boundary conditions, Journal of
Constructional Steel Research, vol 56(1), 116.
D/L
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
P
(
M
p
a
)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
D/t=50
60
70
80
90
100
125
150

Figure 5. Buckling pressure in diferent D/t.