Nonlinear Stability of Natural-Fiber-Reinforced Composite Cylindrical Shells with Initial Geometric Imperfection Considering Moisture Absorption and Hygrothermal Aging

Abstract

In this paper, the nonlinear stability of a natural-fiber-reinforced composite cylindrical shell with initial geometric imperfection is investigated. The nonlinear governing equations are established by high-order shear deformation theory. The load-edge shortening curves for different imperfection amplitudes are obtained by the Galerkin method. Several numerical examples are presented to verify the accuracy of the proposed method and to investigate the influence of initial geometric imperfection, moisture absorption, and hygrothermal aging on the post-buckling behavior of natural-fiber-reinforced composite cylindrical shells.

Keywords

• stability
• natural fiber-reinforced composite
• cylindrical shell
• initial geometric imperfection
• moisture absorption and hygrothermal aging