Influence of Initial Geometric Imperfections on the Vibrations and Dynamic Stability of Elastic Shells

The results from studies into the vibrations and dynamic stability of thin elastic shells with initial geometric imperfections are analyzed. The corresponding dynamic problems are solved in both linear and nonlinear formulations. The influence of initial axisymmetric and nonaxisymmetric deflections on natural, forced, parametrically excited, and self-excited vibrations (flutter) is studied. The dynamic buckling of imperfect shells under short-term impulsive loading is examined. Some aspects of experimental investigation into the vibrations of shells with small geometric imperfections (deviations from the design shape) are considered