Free vibration analysis of curved shells using finite element method

The study of stiffened plates and shells subjected to free vibration is the aim of this work. The effect of radius of curvature on the natural frequency of a stiffened cylindrical and spherical shell is studied using ANSYS Parametric Design Language for different boundary conditions. The effect of the orientation of stiffener on natural frequency for the cylindrical shell is analysed. The frequency response of bare plates is estimated theoretically and verified using ANSYS simulation software for various boundary conditions. Also, the effect of a different cross-section of stiffener on the natural frequency of stiffened plates is analysed. Variation of the natural frequency of stiffened plates for various parameters like aspect ratio and thickness ratio with CCCC (C - clamped) boundary condition is studied. Stiffened structures are often utilised in structural engineering, marine works, aircraft, locomotives etc.