Optimally reinforced cutouts in laminated circular cylindrical shells (Q1905622)

Symmetrically laminated composite circular cylindrical shells under hydrostatic compression and axial pressure are considered. The aim is to determine the shape of a cutout and an associated cutout edge reinforcement such that the cut structure maintains its stress state with a minimal departure from the stress state of the uncut structure. The reinforcement is modeled as a one-dimensional rod/beam structural element. It is coupled with the equilibrium relations of a Donnell-type model for the shell component. Finite element calculations and experimental investigations show that the original (uncut) stiffness of the shell structure is recovered considerably by appropriately designing an edge reinforcement around the cutout.