Path-tracing analysis for post-buckling process of elastic cylindrical shells under axial compression

In terms of the buckling problem related to elastic cylindrical shells under axial compression, experimental results have shown that after primary buckling, secondary buckling occurs accompanied by successive reductions in the number of circumferential waves at every path jumping. In this paper, we traced this successive buckling of the elastic cylindrical shells using the latest general-purpose finite element technology with a static stabilizing method. The study accomplished a fully automatic and seamless simulation of successive path jumping in the deep post-buckling region and showed good agreement with Yamaki's experimental results and Esslinger's high-speed photography.

► The post-buckling of axially compressed elastic cylindrical shells is analyzed.
► The process shows successive reductions in the number of circumferential waves.
► Our study accomplishes a fully automatic and seamless simulation of the process.
► This study intends to capture the inherent behavior of perfect cylindrical shells.
► Yamaki's experiment and Esslinger's high-speed photography are simulated.