Buckling analysis of nonhomogeneous orthotropic thin-walled truncated conical shells in large deformation

In this study, the buckling analysis of homogeneous and non-homogeneous orthotropic, thin walled truncated conical shells under axial load and in large deformation has been investigated. First, the governing relations are derived using the large deformation theory with von Karman–Donnell-type of kinematic non-linearity. Then modified Donnell type stability and compatibility equations of non-homogeneous orthotropic thin-walled truncated conical shells in large deformation are obtained and solved analytically. Finally, influences of the non-homogeneity, orthotropy and the variation of the shell geometry on the non-linear axial buckling load are investigated. Comparing the results of this study with those in the literature validates the present analysis.

► Buckling of non-homogeneous (NH) conical shells in large deformation are studied.
► Non-linear (NL) basic equations of NH orthotropic conical shells are obtained.
► NL buckling load of NH conical shells are obtained.
► Effects of NH, orthotropy and shell characteristics on NL buckling load are examined.