Finite deformation and stability behaviour of cylindrical membranes subjected to symmetric line loads2

An ‘exact’ analysis of the complete non-linear load-deflection and stability behaviour of cylindrical membranes without end ‘shear walls’ subjected to longitudinal Symmetric line loads is presented. The analysis includes low as well as high profile structures. In order to determine the lateral stability behaviour, infinitesimal lateral displacements are superimposed on the symmetric finite deflection field.Results indicate that such structures may experience vertical and/or lateral instability depending on their initial geometry. Membranes with initial central angles, θ₀ ? 90° are stable, both vertically and laterally, for all load values. For 42.23° < θ₀ < 90° the structure is laterally stable but becomes vertically unstable at a certain ‘limit load’ W?_V while for θ₀< 42.23°, the structure becomes laterally unstable at a load value w?_l<W?_V.The analysis admits contact between vertical segments of the membrane to either side of the line load as well as between the membrane and the horizontal surface next to the supports.