Vibration analysis of bolted joined cylindrical-cylindrical shell structure under general connection condition

Modeling and free vibration analysis of bolted joined cylindrical-cylindrical shell were presented in this paper. First, a new analytical model was established for bolted joints. Second, based on Sanders' shell theory, the dynamic equation of substructure of the assembly structure was formed. Then, by using the connection condition, into which the coupling stiffness between the segments was considered, the vibration differential equation of the assembly structure was established. Finally, the vibration characteristics of bolted joined cylindrical-cylindrical shell were obtained. To test the accuracy of the present method, the frequencies and mode shapes under some special connecting condition were examined with the results obtained by ANSYS and a good agreement was shown. Further, the number of bolts, connecting stiffness and length ratio of the two segments have a significant influence on natural frequency parameters and mode shapes of symmetrical and unsymmetrical structures. The results reveal the vibration characteristics of bolted joined cylindrical-cylindrical shell and are presented to provide useful information for future research. Moreover, some new results would be of signification for assembly structure design and vibration control.