Simulation and Uncertainty Analysis of Buckling Behaviour of Thin Cylindrical Shell under Compression

Abstract:

This study analysed the buckling behaviour of thin-cylindrical shells under axial compression, addressing the persistent disparity between theoretical predictions and numerical simulations. The research investigated the influence of key parameters height, Young's modulus, and thickness on the critical buckling load. A Finite Element Analysis (FEA), specifically a Geometrically and Materially Non-Linear Analysis (GMNA), was performed using the software ABAQUS to model the shells. To bridge the gap between simulation and theory, a mathematical model for uncertainty analysis was developed in MATLAB, employing the Monte-Carlo Simulation (MCS) and referencing Rankine's theory. This study introduces a novel analytical framework that integrates Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and uncertainty analysis to resolve discrepancies in buckling predictions for thin cylindrical shells. The model's accuracy was validated with a maximum error of less than 13% compared to existing studies, and the uncertainty analysis demonstrated a robust standard deviation of 0.249 (less than 1%). The findings revealed that thickness is the most influential parameter; a 10% increase in thickness led to a 10.86% increase in the buckling load. Young's modulus had a moderate impact, with a 10% increase causing a 0.28% rise in the buckling load, while height was the least influential, with a 10% increase leading to only a 0.1% increase. This research provides valuable insights into the complexities of predicting critical buckling loads, highlighting the distinct impact of geometric and material properties on the structural behaviour of cylindrical shells.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 935)
• Pages: 3-10
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-RjZGE0
• Online since: April 2026
• Authors: Azizul Hakim Samsudin*, Farhah Nadhirah Md Nordin, Mohd Shahrom Ismail, Ho Quang Nguyen
• Keywords: Buckling, Cylindrical Shell, Finite Element Analysis, Monte Carlo Method, Uncertainty Analysis

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