Free Vibration Analysis of Isotropic and Orthotropic Cylindrical Shells using Finite Element Method

The understanding of fundamental natural frequencies and mode shapes is crucial for assessing the resonant behavior of structures. Numerous scholars have investigated the free vibration properties of circular cylindrical shells. These cylindrical shell configurations find applications in diverse engineering fields such as aviation, rocketry, missiles, electric motors, and locomotive engines. Within this paper, an analytical solution is derived using the “first order shear deformation theory” to determine the frequency characteristics of free vibrations in symmetric laminated circular cylindrical composite shells. The outcomes are juxtaposed against classical and higher order theories. The central aim of this research is to scrutinize the influence of various parameters on the frequency traits of laminated composite shells. Furthermore, the analysis extends to laminated composite shells employing diverse stiffening methods, with their free vibration behavior explored through the utilization of FEA software ANSYS.