It is generally accepted that the presence of imperfections in pressure vessel components can significantly reduce their buckling strength. In fact, the discrepancies between theoretical predictions and experimental results have been attributed to various kinds of existing and unavoidable imperfections. This is not a new problem but despite of substantial research effort in this area over the recent decades, it is far from being satisfactorily resolved. This review provides insight into the past findings and current activities related to the role of different types of imperfections on the buckling strength. It aims to contribute to a better understanding of the influence of imperfections on the structural stability of cones, cylinders, and domes when these are subjected to external loading conditions. The review concentrates not only on the prominent role of initial geometric imperfections of the shell's generator but also on less known defects. This includes uneven axial length of cylinders, eccentricities, and nonuniformities of applied load, inaccurately modeled boundary conditions, corrosion of the wall, influence of material discontinuity or crack, and effect of prebuckling deformation. The study examines: (i) how the data were obtained (analytically, experimentally, and/or numerically), (ii) the type of material from which the shell structures were made, and (iii) the importance of findings of the previous works. Metallic and composite components are considered.
Issue Section:
Review Article
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