Buckling analysis of stiffened circular cylindrical panels using differential quadrature element method

Differential quadrature element method (DQEM) for buckling analysis of stiffened circular cylindrical panels subjected to axial uniform compressive stresses is presented for the first time. The methodology and procedures are worked out in detail. The circular cylindrical panel and the stiffeners are treated separately. Governing differential equations are derived based on the equilibrium of the panel and the stiffener, and on compatibility conditions along the interface of panel elements and stiffeners. Torsional stiffness of the stiffener is ignored. Circular cylindrical panels with a stringer stiffener or a chordwise stiffener are analyzed by the DQEM, and the results are compared with previously published data to verify the established methodology and procedures. Some new results are presented for the circular cylindrical panels with two orthogonal stiffeners.