The shell elements in NIDA can be used to trace the large deflection behavior of shell structures, especially the snap-through and snap-back buckling.

 

Figure1 Local buckling of top flange of a box section under moment

Hinged Cylindrical Shell

 

Figure2 Layout and properties

Figure3 Finite element model (1/4 of Original Shell)

 

Load-deflection Curve of Hinged Cylindrical Shell (T=12.7mm)

 

 

 

 

Load-deflection Curve of Hinged Cylindrical Shell (T=6.35mm)