Three-dimensional vibration of cylindrical shell panels - solution by continuum and discrete approaches

This paper presents a three-dimensional elasticity solution to the free vibration problem of thick cylindrical shell panels of rectangular planform. The natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes were obtained for thick cylindrical shell panels and detailed parametric investigations were carried out. Comparisons were also made with corresponding finite element simulation results. To validate the accuracy of the results as well as the stability of the present methodology, comprehensive convergence studies were also carried out. Further comparisons of present results were made with existing experimental and numerical results (classical, first-order and higher-order shell theories) available in open literature and the validity and range of applicability of the various shell theories examined.