Analytical Investigations Of Thin Cylindrical Panel Subjected To Mechanical Loads

Abstract

Thin cylindrical shell structures are extensively utilized in aerospace, marine, automotive, pressure vessel, and civil engineering applications because of their high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent load-carrying capability, and structural efficiency. However, these structures are highly susceptible to deformation, stress concentration, and buckling instability when subjected to external mechanical loads. The present study focuses on the analytical investigation of thin cylindrical panels subjected to static mechanical loading conditions using classical shell theory formulations. The objective of the research is to evaluate the structural behaviour of cylindrical shell panels fabricated from different materials, namely Aluminium Alloy 8011, Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), Aramid Fiber Composite, and Functionally Graded Material (FGM). Analytical calculations were performed to determine stress distribution and critical buckling loads under identical loading and geometric conditions. Classical shell equations were employed to estimate stresses developed in the structure and to evaluate the critical buckling loads corresponding to different material properties. The influence of Young’s modulus on stress reduction and buckling resistance was examined. Results indicate that composite materials exhibit superior mechanical performance compared with conventional metallic materials. Carbon fibre composites demonstrated the lowest stress levels and highest buckling resistance due to their significantly higher stiffness. Functionally graded materials also exhibited enhanced structural behaviour owing to their gradual material property variation, which contributes to improved load distribution and reduced stress concentration. The analytical findings reveal that material stiffness plays a crucial role in determining the structural stability and mechanical response of thin cylindrical shells. The results obtained from the theoretical formulations provide an effective benchmark for validating finite element simulations and experimental investigations. The study confirms that advanced composite and graded materials offer substantial advantages in improving structural integrity, reducing deformation, and enhancing buckling resistance in lightweight shell structures. The research contributes to the design and optimization of cylindrical shell components used in advanced engineering applications where weight reduction and structural reliability are critical requirements.