First-order second-moment analysis of the buckling of shells with random imperfections

First-order second-momentum analysis is given for nominally circular cylindrical shells possessing axisymmetric as well as general nonsymmetric random imperfections. Results of measurements of initial imperfection Fourier coefficients are used to construct their second-order statistical properties. The MIUTAM computer code is applied to determine buckling loads. Results of reliability calculations are compared with those delivered by the Monte Carlo method and are found to be in good agreement. (Author)