Shape optimisation of stainless steel corrugated cylindrical shells for additive manufacturing

Axially compressed circular cylindrical shells with large diameter-to-thickness ratios are highly susceptible to local buckling, and their load-carrying capacities known be very sensitive initial geometric imperfections. Hence, severe knock-down factors on theoretical buckling loads typically prescribed in design specifications, which greatly impair structural efficiency. With the aim of enhancing load-bearing resistance reducing sensitivity imperfections, shape optimisation assessment free-form wavy shells, realisation is now viable through additive manufacturing, subject present study. The adopted framework employs Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO) algorithm, integrating computer-aided design, nonlinear numerical simulations imperfection analyses. performance optimised analysed compared that reference as well other types non-circular shell profiles, including sinusoidally corrugated Aster stringer-stiffened shells. profiles shown exhibit increases ultimate stress up 136% profiles; general, greater benefits achieved for more slender cross-sections. In future work, proposed will manufactured stainless steel by means powder bed fusion (PBF), further verified physical experiments.