2 Stress Analysis Of Circular Cylindrical Shells Subjected To Uniform External Pressure

1. Radial Pressure Loading only.

2. Radial & Axial Pressure Loading.

3. Derivation of Boundary Conditions for Flexible Ring Stiffeners.

4. Solution of Differential Equation.

Annex A - Derivation of non-linear version of Differential Equation of Equilibrium.

1 DCF06
1. Radial Pressure Loading only

(ref. Timoshenko: Plates and Shells pg.G66).

The following steps will be used in deriving the Differential Equation of Equilibrium.

i. Define Forces and Moments acting on Element.

ii. Define Equation of Equilibrium.
iii. Define Stress-Strain relationships.
iv. Using (ii),(iii) & (iv) define:

Differential Equation of Equilibrium in terms of Deflection and External

Forces.

(i) Forces & Moments acting on Elements

Consider an element of a circular cylinder subjected to a uniform external pressure.

x
aδφ
z
δx
y δφ

The edge forces and moments per unit length acting on this element are given by:
Qφ
N φx Nφ
x Qx
x
N xφ
Nx ∂N x
Nx + δx z
z ∂x ∂Q x
Qx + δx
∂N xφ ∂x
y N xφ + δx y
∂x
∂N φx
N φx + δx ∂Q φ
∂N φ ∂x Qφ + δφ
Nφ + δφ ∂φ
∂φ

in-plane direct and shear forces out of plane shear forces

Mφ M φx
Mx
x
M xφ ∂M xφ
M xφ + δx
∂x

y ∂M x
Mx + δx
∂x
∂M φ
Mφ + δx
∂M φx ∂x
M φx + δφ
∂φ

out-of-plane bending and twisting moment

2 DCF06
The following observations can be made:

a. From symmetry, membrane shearing forces N xφ = N φx = 0 .

b. From symmetry, transverse shearing forces Q φ = 0
c. From symmetry, transverse membrane forces N φ are constant
d. From symmetry, twisting moments M xφ = M φx = 0
e. From symmetry, transverse bending moments M φ are constant

Thus the forces and moments acting on the element reduce to:

Qx
Mφ Nφ
x
∂M x
Nx Mx Mx + δx
∂x
∂N x
Nx + δx
∂x
Mφ
∂Q x
Qx + δx
y Nφ ∂x

Assume a lateral loading p per unit area (external pressure)

Equilibrium conditions

Forces

⎛ ∂N x ⎞
x direction ⎜ Nx + ∆x ⎟a∆φ − N x a∆φ = 0
⎝ ∂x ⎠

Assuming element is small so that ∆x, ∆φ can be written as dx, dφ

∂N x
adxdφ = 0 (1.1)
∂x

y direction Nφ = Nφ

⎛ ∂Q x ⎞ ∆φ
z direction ⎜ Qx + ∆x ⎟a∆φ + pa∆φ∆x + 2 N φ ∆x − Q x a∆φ = 0
⎝ ∂x ⎠ 2

∂Q x
∴ a + pa + N φ = 0 (1.2)
∂x

Moments

x axis Mφ = Mφ

3 DCF06
 ⎛ ∂M x ⎞ ⎛ ∂Q x ⎞
y axis ⎜Mx + ∆x ⎟a∆φ − M x a∆φ − ⎜ Q x + ∆x ⎟a∆φ∆x = 0
⎝ ∂x ⎠ ⎝ ∂x ⎠

∂Q x
The term ∆xa∆φ∆x is small and can be omitted
∂x

∂M x
∴ adxdφ − Q x adxdφ = 0 (1.3)
∂x

Equation 1.1 gives

∂N x
=0 ∴ N x = Cons tan t
∂x

Equation 1.2 & 1.3 can be simplified to:

∂Q x N φ
+ = −p (1.4a)
∂x a

∂M x
− Qx = 0 (1.4b)
∂x

Combining 1.4a & b gives the single equation:

∂ 2M x Nφ
+ = −p (1.5)
∂x 2 a

(iii) Stress-Strain Relationships

Membrane Forces.

Nx =
Et
(εx + νεφ )
(
1− ν2 )
Nφ =
Et
(εφ + νεx )
(
1− ν2 )
Where ε x and ε φ are mid thickness mean strains:

As Nx = 0

ε x = −ν ε φ

and N φ = Et εφ

Moments

M x = − D(χ x + νχ φ )

4 DCF06
χ x and χ φ , are curvatures in the x and φ directions.

From symmetry χφ = 0

∴ M x = −Dχ x (1.7)

(iv) Strain/Deflection Relationships

εφ =
(a − w )δφ − aδφ
aδφ w
δφ

w a
∴ εφ = − (1.8a)
a

d2w
χx ≈ (1.8b)
dx 2

Substituting 1.8a and 1.8b into 1.6 and 1.7 respectively leads to:

Etw
Nφ = − (1.9a)
a

d2w
M x = −D (1.9b)
dx 2

(v) Differential Equation of Equilibrium

Summarising the 3 final equations.

∂ 2M x Nφ
+ = −p (1.5)
∂x 2 a

Etw
Nφ = − (1.9a)
a

d2w
M x = −D (1.9b)
dx 2

And combining we get

d 4 w Etw p
+ =
dx 4 Da 2 D

Then

d4w p
4
+ 4α 4 w = (1.10)
dx D

5 DCF06
 ( ) ⎞⎟
1
⎛ 3 1− ν2 4
Where α = ⎜⎜ 2 2 ⎟
⎝ a t ⎠

Equation 1.10 has the same form as the differential equation for a beam of flexural rigidity D
supported by a continuous elastic foundation.

The general solution to equation 1.10 is:

w = e αx (C1 cos αx + C 2 sin αx ) + e − αx (C 3 cos αx + C 4 sin αx ) + f ( x ) (1.11)

where f(x) is a particular solution of 1.10 .

The constants C1, C2, C3 and C4 are determined by examination of the boundary conditions.

A number of particular cases will now be examined.

Case 1 Long circular cylinder.

Bending moments Mo, shearing forces QO uniformly distributed along edge x = 0

M Q x
There is no external pressure p

∴ f(x) = 0
M
Q
The effect of the bending moments and forces applied at x = 0 must reduce with increase in x
because x can approach infinity

The constants C1 and C2 in equation (11) must be zero

∴ w = e -αx (C 3 cos αx + C 4 sin αx ) (1.12)

= e −αx ((C 4 − C 3 )cos αx − (C 3 + C 4 )sin αx )

dw
dx

= e −αx (− α 2 2C 4 cos αx + α 2 2C 3 sin αx )

d2w
dx 2

d3w
dx 3
(
= e −αx 2α 3 (C 3 + C 4 )cos αx + 2α 3 (C 4 − C 3 )sin αx )
⎛ d2w ⎞
When x=0, (
M 0 = − D⎜⎜ 2 ⎟⎟ = − D − α 2 2C 4 ) ∴ C4 =
M0
2α 2 D
⎝ dx ⎠ x = 0

When x=0, ∴ C3 = −
1
(Q0 + αM 0 )
2α 3D

Substituting in 1.12,

6 DCF06
 e − αx
w= ((− Q0 − αM 0 )cos αx + αM 0 sin αx ) (1.13)
2α 3D

By inspection, the maximum deflection will occur when x = 0.

w x =0 = −
1
(αM 0 + Q0 )
2α 3D

[The negative sign indicates an outward deflection - w is positive in the direction towards the
axis of the cylinder.]

From equation (13)

e − αx
dw
(( )
= 3 αQ 0 + 2α 2 M 0 cos αx + αQ 0 sin αx
dx 2α D
) (1.14)

⎛ dw ⎞
⎟ = 3 (Q 0 + 2αM 0 )
1
∴ ⎜
⎝ dx ⎠x =0 2α D

Thus knowing the value of Qo and Mo the deflection and slope can be found for any position of
x, i.e. the deformed surface of the cylinder is defined. Examination of equations (1.13) and
(1.14) will show that higher derivatives of w with respect to x will depend on exponential and
trigonometric functions of β x as well as the constants β and D and the applied loads Qo and
⎛ d2w ⎞
M o. Again for any position x, the bending moment ⎜⎜ − D ⎟ and the shearing force
⎝ dx 2 ⎟⎠
⎛ d3w ⎞ ⎛ Etw ⎞
⎜⎜ − D 3 ⎟⎟ can be found and hence N φ ⎜ = - ⎟ and M φ (= νM x ) can be determined. Thus
⎝ dx ⎠ ⎝ a ⎠
all the information needed to calculate the stresses in the shell is available.

Case 2 Circular cylinder. No end supports. Loaded by uniform external pressure p, radius a.

From equation (4), p

∂Q x N φ
+ = −p
∂x a

In this case Q x = 0 ∴ N φ = −pa

Nφ pa
i.e. the external pressure only produces a hoop stress = =−
t t

Etw Etw
From equation (8) Nφ = − ∴ - pa = -
a a

pa 2
∴ w= (1.15)
Et

(+ive w means inward displacement)

7 DCF06
Case 3 Long circular cylinder. Subject to uniform external pressure p, with and internal
bulkhead or frame

This case can be considered as the sum of the two previous examples (case 1 & 2).

p p M0 Q0 x

M0
Q0

The forces exerted on the bulkhead P is twice the shear force Q0

P
2

Equation (13) gives the deflection as a result of the bulkhead forces and moments alone.

e − αx
w= ((− Q0 − αM 0 )cos αx + αM 0 sin αx )
2α 3D

e − αx ⎛ ⎛ P ⎞ ⎞
= ⎜⎜ ⎜ − − αM 0 ⎟ cos αx + αM 0 sin αx ⎟⎟ (1.16)
2α D ⎝ ⎝ 2
3
⎠ ⎠
∴ Equation (15) gave the deflection as a result of the cylinder under pressure without the bulkhead.
Therefore combining equation (15) and (16) the deflection at any point of the cylinder plus bulkhead
is given by

e − αx ⎛ ⎛ P ⎞ ⎞ pa 2
w= ⎜ ⎜ − − α M 0⎟ cos α x + α M sin α x ⎟⎟ +
2α 3 D ⎜⎝ ⎝ 2
0
⎠ ⎠ Et

Assuming a rigid bulkhead with no radial deflection, at x = 0 w = 0

P
− − αM 0
2 pa 2
∴ + =0
2α 3 D Et

⎛ pa 2 ⎞
∴ P = 2⎜⎜ 2α 3 D − αM 0 ⎟⎟ (1.17)
⎝ Et ⎠

From equations (14) and (16),

⎛ dw ⎞ 1 ⎛P ⎞
⎜ ⎟ = ⎜ + 2α M 0 ⎟
⎝ dx ⎠ x =0 2α D ⎝ 2 ⎠
2

8 DCF06
 dw
When x = 0, by symmetry = 0 , ∴ P = 4αM o (1.18)
dx

Hence from equations (17) and (18) P and Mo can be found.

The results can be represented graphically:

Original Surface
pa 2
Deflection
Et Final Surface

3π
4α
Slope +
- π
α

Moment

π π
4α α
Shear Force

π
2α

It can be seen that all the quantities that determine the bending of the shell are small for
π 2π
x> . Thus a shell whose length is l = and which has a bulkhead in the middle will have
α α
practically the same maximum deflection and the same maximum stress as a very long shell. It
may be concluded that bending is a local phenomenon.

9 DCF06
2. Radial and Axial Pressure Loading

The same procedure will be adopted as before, but for brevity only the essential equations will
be presented.

(i) Equations of Equilibrium

y z

∂Q x N φ
Forces in z. dir n + = −p
∂x a

∂M x
Moments about y axis − Qx = 0
∂x

Combining the above the single equation:

∂ 2M x Nφ
+ = −p (2.1)
∂x 2 a

- hence this is the same as without axial pressure loading.

(ii) Stress-Strain Relationships

Membrane Forces

Nx =
Et
(εx + νεφ )
(
1− ν2 ) (2.2a)

Nφ =
Et
(εφ + νεx )
(
1− ν2 ) (2.2b)

However due to axial pressure load

pa
Nx = −
2

Thus substituting in 2.2a.

10 DCF06
 ⎛ − pa ⎞⎛ 1 − ν ⎞
2
εx = ⎜ ⎟⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ − ν εφ (2.2c)
⎝ 2 ⎠⎝ Et ⎠

Combining 2.2b & 2.2c. gives.

νpa
N φ = Etεφ − (2.3)
2

note without axial loading this was

N φ = Etεφ

i.e. Axial loading acts to increase compressive circumferential force.

Moment

pt 2
M x = −Dχ x + (2.4)
24

as χ φ = 0 as before

pt 2
The term is due to end force Nx and fact that reference co-ordinate system is at mid
24
thickness t
2
Nx
upper area >lower area M x aδφ = ∫ (a − z )δφzdz
−t t
2
-
t

N x (a − z )
t/ 2
pt 2
z ∴ Mx = ∫
−t t a
zdz =
24
2

Equation 2.4 compares with without end load M x = − Dχ x

(iii)Strain - Deflection Relationship

w
εφ = − (2.5a)
a

d2w
χx ≈ (2.5b)
dx 2

both as before

Hence substituting Equation 2.5a9 2.5b into Equations 2.3 & 2.4 respectively yields

11 DCF06
 Etw νpa
Nφ = − − (2.6)
a 2

d 2 w pt 2
M x = −D + (2.7)
dx 2 24

(vi) Differential Equation of Equilibrium.

Summarising the 3 final equations of interest.

∂ 2M x Nφ
Equation 2.1 + = −p
∂x 2 a

Etw νpa
2.6 Nφ = − −
a 2

d 2 w pt 2
2.7 M x = −D +
dx 2 24

and combining we get.

d 4 w Etw p ⎛ ν ⎞
+ = ⎜1 − ⎟
dx 4 Da 2 D ⎝ 2 ⎠

d4w p ⎛ ν⎞
or + 4α 4 w = ⎜1 − ⎟ (2.8)
dx 4 D⎝ 2⎠

⎛−ν⎞
The corresponding equation without axial loading omitted ⎜ ⎟ term.
⎝ 2 ⎠

In other words axial compressive pressure loading, by increasing circumferential membrane

forces, effectively reduces radial pressure load.

3. Derivation of Boundary Conditions for Flexible Ring Stiffeners

(i) So far the Differential Equation of Equilibrium has been derived for an element of shell plating.
To solve this equation requires the imposition of appropriate boundary conditions.

In particular we are interested in the boundary conditions caused by flexible ring stiffeners.

L
x

b z a
ag
Lf

Radius to mid-Thickness of plating =a

Frame Area. =Af

12 DCF06
 Radius to centroid of frame. = ag

(ii) Boundary Conditions

(a) w is symmetric about x = 0

dw L
(b) = 0 at x = i.e. at the frames.
dx 2

(c) Equilibrium of Forces at Frame

p b
Q Q
Nφb Nφb

ag
Af
F F
Radial equilibrium gives:

2Qaδφ + pbaδφ = Fδφ + N φ bδφ

Stress / Strain

⎛w ⎞
F = −EA f ε φframe = EA f ⎜ ⎟
⎜a ⎟
⎝ g ⎠

νpa ⎛ w ⎞ νpa
N φ = − Etε φplate + = Et⎜ ⎟ +
2 ⎝a⎠ 2

(w is the radial deflection)

⎛ ν ⎞ Ew ⎛⎜ A f bt ⎞⎟
∴ 2Q + pb⎜1 - ⎟ = +
⎝ 2⎠ a ⎜⎝ a g a ⎟⎠

d3w
as Q=D
dx 3

d3w ⎛ ν⎞ L
Thus 2D + pb⎜1 − ⎟ = Kw at x =
⎝ 2⎠
3
dx 2

E ⎛⎜ A f bt ⎞⎟
where K= + the frame rigidity constant
a ⎜⎝ a g a ⎟⎠

4. Solution of Differential Equation

13 DCF06
(i) Deflection (w)

Summarizing the differential equation and boundary conditions we have:

d4w p ⎛ ν⎞
+ 4α 4 w = ⎜1 − ⎟
dx 4
D⎝ 2⎠

with boundary conditions

(a) w is symmetrical about x = 0

dw L
(b) = 0 at x =
dx 2

d3w ⎛ ν⎞
(c) 2D + pb⎜1 − ⎟ = Kw
⎝ 2⎠
3
dx

The solution is of the form

pa 2 ⎛ ν ⎞
w = e αx (C1 cos αx + C 2 sin αx ) + e −αx (C 3 cos αx + C 4 sin αx ) + ⎜1 − ⎟
Et ⎝ 2 ⎠

Once a solution of the deflection (w) has been obtained it is possible to proceed to the
determination of stress.

(ii) Determination of Stress σ φ , σ x .

By definition the stress σ φ , σ x are related to strain by the following formulae

(1 − ν ) (ε + νε x )
E
σφ = 2 φ

(1 − ν 2 ) (ε x + νε φ )
E
σx =

Previously we have been dealing with forces per unit length N and mid thickness strain, ε x & ε φ .
It is now necessary to consider 'through the thickness' variations in strain in zr direction

d2w
ε x = εx − z
dx 2

−w −w⎛ z⎞
εφ = ≈ ⎜1 + ⎟
(a − z ) a ⎝ a ⎠

⎛ − pa ⎞⎛ 1 − ν ⎞
2
wz
Recalling from 2.2c that; ε x = ⎜ ⎟⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ − ν εφ and ignoring 2 term in ε φ it can be
⎝ 2 ⎠⎝ Et ⎠ a
shown after suitable manipulation that:

14 DCF06
 Ew νpa Ez d2w
σφ = − − − ν
a 2t (
1 − ν 2 dx 2 ) (4.1)

pa Ez d 2 w
σx = − −
2 t (1 − ν 2 ) dx 2
(4.2)

Hence knowing to w(x) it is possible to solve for σ φ , σ x as functions of x and z.

The most useful stresses are the following:

⎛ t⎞
σ3 = σφ ⎜ x = 0, z = − ⎟ maximum circumferential stress midway between frames on the
⎝ 2⎠
outside of the plating

σ5 = σφ (x = 0, z = 0) mean circumferential stress midway between frames at mid

thickness.

⎛ L t⎞
σ7 = σ x ⎜ x = ,z = ⎟ maximum longitudinal stress adjacent to frame inside of plating.
⎝ 2 2⎠

− Ew ⎛ L⎞
σ fd = ⎜x = ⎟ circumferential stress in standing flange.
af ⎝ 2⎠

These stresses are all compressive. They have been chosen because they suffer both the
overall compressive stresses acting on a cylinder under external pressure loading, and local
compressive bending (not σ 5 ) .

σ3 σ7

σ5

σf

σ7 σf
σ3 σ5

Expressions for Stresses σ 3 , σ 5 , σ 7 , σ fd are summarised latter and in Figs. 1 & 2.

It should be appreciated by the student that the previous differential equation

15 DCF06
 d4w p ⎛ ν⎞
+ 4α 4 w = ⎜1 − ⎟
dx 4
D⎝ 2⎠

is linear and therefore amenable to an algebraic solution.

It is possible to derive a more accurate Differential Equation which has non linear terms.

d 4 w ⎛ ν pa ⎞ d 2 w p ⎛ ν⎞
+⎜ 2 + ⎟ 2 + 4α w = ⎜ 1 − ⎟
4

⎝a 2D ⎠ dx D⎝ 2⎠
4
dx

Thorough investigation using series solution methods has fortunately shown that the errors
incurred through the use of the linear version are small.

Annex A discusses the derivation and errors in more detail.

16 DCF06
Equations for the more important stresses

The following formulae have been produced from the solutions of equations (2.8), (4.1) and (4.2).
(See NCRE Report N143, page 3 )

1. The maximum circumferential stress in the plating (outside of plating midway between frames):

σ3 =
pa
(1 + γH )
t

2. The mean circumferential stress midway between frames:

σ5 =
pa
(1 + γG )
t

3. The maximum longitudinal stress in the plating (inside of plating adjacent to a frame):

⎛ 1
⎞
pa ⎜ ⎛ 12 ⎞ 2 ⎟
σ 7 = ⎜1 + ⎜ ⎟ γR ⎟
2t ⎜ ⎝ 1 − ν 2 ⎠ ⎟
⎝ ⎠

4. The circumferential stress in the standing flange of the frame:

⎛ υ⎞
pa 2 ⎜1 − ⎟
σ fd = ⎝ 2⎠ a f is the radius to the frame flange
⎛ ⎞
⎜ A ⎟
ta f ⎜1 + ⎟
⎜ 2 Nt ⎟
⎜ bt + ⎟
⎝ α ⎠

⎛ υ⎞
A⎜1 − ⎟
⎝ 2⎠ , 2tN 3(1 − υ 2 )
where γ = β= ; α4 =
( A + bt )(1 + β ) α ( A + bt ) a 2t 2

a2
A= A f ; L = L f − b (L is the unsupported length of shell); G,N,H & R are functions of α, L and ν
a g2

Lf = Frame spacing b = thickness of the web

Af = Frame area ag = radius to neutral axis of frame

⎛ αL αL αL αL ⎞
− 2⎜ Sinh Cos + Cosh Sin ⎟
CoshαL − CosαL ⎝ 2 2 2 2 ⎠
N= G=
SinhαL + SinαL SinhαL + SinαL

⎛⎛ 3ν 2 ⎞ ⎛ ⎞ ⎞
⎟ sinh αL cos αL + ⎜1 − 3ν ⎟ cosh αL sin αL ⎟
2
− 2⎜ ⎜1 +
SinhαL − SinαL ⎜⎜ 1− ν2 ⎟ 2 2 ⎜⎝ 1− ν2 ⎟ 2 2 ⎟
⎝ ⎝ ⎠ ⎠ ⎠
R= H=
SinhαL + SinαL sinh αL + sin αL

17 DCF06
18 DCF06
19 DCF06
ANNEX A.

Derivation of more accurate version of Differential Equation of Equilibrium

The derivation will not be given in full but merely the difference with respect to para.2.

(i) Equilibrium of Moments. about v axis

⎛ dw ⎞
It is assumed that the element may have a slope ⎜ ⎟ . This results in the Axial Membrane
⎝ dx ⎠
Force (N x) producing a couple about y axis.

⎛ dw ⎞
Qx ⎜ ⎟
⎝ dx ⎠
Nx x
∂M x
Mx Mx + ∂x
z ∂x
∂N x
Nx + ∂x
∂Q x ∂x
Qx + ∂x
∂x

∂M x ⎛ ∂w ⎞
Hence − Qx + Nx ⎜ ⎟=0
∂x ⎝ ∂x ⎠

instead of the simpler version.

∂M x
− Qx = 0
∂x

pa
As Nx = −
2

The analogous equation to equation 2.1 is:

∂ 2 M x pa ⎛ d 2 w ⎞ N φ
− ⎜⎜ 2 ⎟⎟ + = −p
∂x 2 2 ⎝ dx ⎠ a

(ii) Stress/Strain relationship for M x

The general Stress/Strain relationship for M x is:

M x = −D(χ x + νχ φ )

In the previous derivation it has been assumed that:

χ φ = 0 = 0 i.e. curvature in circumferential direction.

20 DCF06
In reality of course there will be an increased curvature due to the reduction in shell radius
from (a) to (a - w) as a result of deflection w.

w
Thus χφ =
a2

⎛ d2w w⎞
Thus M x = −D⎜⎜ 2 + ν 2 ⎟⎟
⎝ dx a ⎠

⎛ d2w ⎞
Instead of the previous M x = −D⎜⎜ 2 ⎟⎟
⎝ dx ⎠

These two changes cause the Differential Equation of Deflection to become

d 4 w ⎛ ν pa ⎞ d 2 w p ⎛ ν⎞
+⎜ 2 + ⎟ 2 + 4α w = ⎜ 1 − ⎟
4

⎝a 2D ⎠ dx D⎝ 2⎠
4
dx

Poisson effect on Mx dues to End load effect of Mx

circumferential curvature

The errors due to the omission of these forms are reported to be:

ν d2w
gives half a percent on stress
a 2 dx 2

pa d 2 w
gives 5 percent on deflection
2D dx 2

For more detail on solutions students are referred to NCRE reports. N143, N337A, N337B,
N337C.

21 DCF06
Annex B History of Solutions

The derivation of these equations is given in the appendix. A small deflection theory has
been used and results are not reliable for deflections>plating thickness and thickness/radius
of curvature ratio>1/20.

Equation (19) has been solved by a number of investigators. Their methods are discussed
briefly below.

(a) Von Sanden and Gunther (1920-21)

These two German. engineers carried out a theoretical and practical study of submarine
hulls. In particular they analysed a circular cylindrical shell between two ring frames under
uniform pressure, using the equation:

d 4 w tw p ⎛ ν⎞
+ 2 = ⎜1 − ⎟ (20)
dx 4
Ia EI ⎝ 2 ⎠

and boundary conditions

i. w is symmetric about x = 0

dw L
ii. = 0 at x = , ie at the frames
dx 2

d3w E(A f + bt ) L
iii. 2EI 3
+ pb = 2
w at x =
dx a 2

The solution to this equation is

pa 2 ⎛ ν ⎞
w = e βx (C1 cos β x + C 2 sin βx ) + e −βx (C 3 cos β x + C 4 sin βx ) + ⎜1 − ⎟
Et ⎝ 2 ⎠

Et
where β4 = and the constants C 1 ... C 4 can be found by using the boundary conditions.
4a 2 D

(b) Viterbo (1930)

Viterbo pointed out that there was an inconsistency in the solution of Von Sanden and
Gunther. If the frame area A f is taken to be zero, the total load per unit circumferential
length carried by the strip of shell of width b is, according to their theory, less than the
product pb.

pa 2 ⎛ ν ⎞
If A f = 0, the cylinder is unstiffened and w = ⎜1 − ⎟
Et ⎝ 2 ⎠

∴ in the boundary condition given by 2a(iii) above

d3w Ebt pa 2 ⎛ ν ⎞
2EI + pb = ⎜1 − ⎟
dx 3 a 2 Et ⎝ 2 ⎠

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 d3w ν
∴ 2EI 3
= −pb
dx 2

i.e. the strip of shell is supported, in part, by shearing forces and is not therefore supporting
the whole load of it

pν
Viterbo argued that the transverse pressure p could be separated into two components,
2
⎛ ν⎞
and p⎜1 − ⎟ , and that the first component produces no radial deformation of the frame and
⎝ 2⎠
⎛ ν⎞
therefore only the effect of the transverse load p⎜1 − ⎟ need be considered. The boundary
⎝ 2⎠
condition becomes:

d3w ⎛ ν ⎞ E(A f + bt )w L
2EI + pb⎜1 − ⎟ = at x =
⎝ 2⎠
3 2
dx a 2

pν
However Viterbo’s assumption that the component of transverse pressure , together with
2
the longitudinal pressure produces zero radial deflections is not exactly true.

(c) Salerno and Pulos (1951)

Von Sanden and Gunther did not consider completely the axial component of the uniform pressure
when deriving the differential equation of deflection. A new theory, was developed by Salerno and
Pulos at the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn and the differential equation obtained was

d 4 w pa d 2 w tw p ⎛ ν⎞
+ + 2 = ⎜1 − ⎟ (21)
dx 4
2EI dx 2
Ia EI ⎝ 2 ⎠

ν d2w
This is the same as equation (19) with the term omitted.
a 2 dx 2

The boundary conditions used were those of Viterbo.

The introduction of the term p.f(w) means that the equation is no longer linear and the resulting
formulae for deflections and stresses are complicated.

(d) Wilson (NCRE 1956)

Wilson has produced two methods of solving the differential equation of deflection.

(i) Asymptotic method - This is described in NCRE Report 337A "The deformation under uniform
pressure of a circular cylindrical shell supported by equally spaced ring frames" Part 1. The
method was applied to equation (21) and the boundary conditions used by Salerno and Fulos.
It was assumed that the solution was of the form

w = p ⋅ f1 (x ) + p 2 ⋅ f 2 (x ) + K p n ⋅ f n (x )

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Substituting in equation (21)

d 4 f1 (x ) 2 d 4 f 2 (x ) a ⎛ 2 d 2 f1 (x ) 3 d 2 f 2 (x ) ⎞ t p ⎛ ν⎞
p +p +K+ ⎜p
2EI ⎜⎝
+p ( )
+ K⎟⎟ + 2 pf1 (x ) + p 2 f 2 (x ) + K = ⎜1 − ⎟ (22)
⎝ 2⎠
4 2
dx dx dx 2 dx 2 ⎠ Ia EI

A possible solution must be w = prf r(x), i.e. fl(x) = f2(x) = ... = 0 except for fr(x). Then from equation
(22) the coefficient of pr must be zero. This must be a general rule and so n differential equations
are formed, viz,

d 4 f 1 (x ) t 1 ⎛ ν⎞
+ 2 f 1 (x ) = ⎜ 1 − ⎟
dx 4
Ia EI ⎝ 2 ⎠

d 4 f 2 (x ) t a d 2 f 1 (x )
+ f 2 ( x ) = − (23)
dx 4 Ia 2 2EI dx 2

d 4 f n (x ) t a d 2 f n −1 (x )
+ f n (x ) = −
dx 4 Ia 2 2EI dx 2

Equations (23) can now be solved with appropriate boundary conditions to determine fl(x), f2(x) and
so on. Note that the linear solution, w = p.fl(x), is the Von Sanden and Gunther solution. The non
linear term p2f2(x) is a small correction term and it can be shown that these two terms are generally
sufficient provided that the latter is less than about 1/10 of the former. The higher order terms can
be neglected.

(ii) Fourier Series method - Described in NCRE Re ort 337B, Part 2.

This method was applied to the equation (19) with boundary conditions as described. It is assumed
that the displacement w can be represented by a Fourier Series and the coefficients of this series are
found by a linear cosine transform. Whilst this is a neat method of solving the differential equation
the solution obtained is not very convenient to use. For this reason approximations have been made
to obtain expressions for deflections and stresses.

In NCRE Report R337C Part 3 (Title as for R337A) Wilson discusses the general problem of
deformation of cylinders. Most of the preceding notes have been based upon this report but there are
a few additional comments to be made.

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