Buckling analysis of a cylindrical shell, under neutron radiation environment

This research investigates the buckling of a cylindrical shell in the neutron radiation environment, subjected to combined static and periodic axial forces. Radiation induced porosity in elastic materials affects the thermal, electrical and mechanical properties of the materials. In this study, the data based technique was used to determine the volume fraction porosity, P, of shell material. A least-squares fit of the Young's module data yielded the estimated Young's modulus. The shell assumed made of iron irradiated in the range of 2–15e−7 dPa/s at 345–650 °C and theoretical formulations are presented based on the classical shell theory (CST). The research deals with the problem theoretically; keeping in mind that one means of generating relevant design data is to investigate prototype structures. A parametric study is followed and the stability of shell is discussed. It is concluded that both temperature and neutron induced swelling have significant effects on the buckling load.

► The work investigates the buckling of a shell in the neutron radiation environment.
► Radiation induced porosity in elastic materials affects the material's properties.
► The data based technique was used to determine the volume fraction porosity.
► The theoretical formulations are presented based on the classical shell theory (CST).
► It was concluded that both T and neutron induced swelling have significant effects.