Dynamic behaviour of a cylindrical shell with a cutout

This paper presents the results of analytical and experimental investigations connected with the dynamic behaviour of a cylindrical shell with a rectangular cutout. The finite element method is used to predict the vibration frequencies and mode shapes. The resulting eigenvalue problems are solved by using a simultaneous iteration technique. The analytical study shows the influence of the cutout on the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the shell. The subtended angle of the cutout ranges from 40° to 120°. Experimental verification was performed on a machined mild steel shell having welded end rings bolted on to sturdy supports. A reasonably good agreement is obtained, with the discrepancies of the order of less than 10 %. The cutout is found to have very little influence on the natural frequencies.