Buckling and vibration of composite lattice elliptical cylindrical shells

Abstract

An approach to the finite element study of the buckling and dynamic behaviour of composite lattice cylindrical shells with elliptical cross sections is presented in this paper. The lattice shells are modelled as three-dimensional frame structures composed of curvilinear ribs using beam finite elements. A specialised algorithm is developed to generate the finite element model of the lattice shells based on multiple use of the repeating unit cell of the composite lattice structure. Using this model, the buckling behaviour of the shells subjected to axial loading and transverse bending are investigated. Fundamental frequencies of axial and transverse vibrations of the shells with a massive rigid disk attached to their ends are determined based on the modelling approach proposed in this work. The effects of parameters of the lattice structure on the values of critical buckling loads, buckling and vibration mode shapes, and the fundamental frequencies are examined using parametric analyses. Based on the computations, the angles of orientation of helical ribs delivering maximum critical loads and fundamental frequencies are identified. The results of this study can be applied to the design of the composite tubular bodies of spacecraft made in the form of cylindrical lattice shells with elliptical cross sections.