Stability characteristics of laminated cylindrical panels under transverse loading

Static and dynamic approaches for the stability analysis of a laminated composite (graphite--epoxy) arch, a laminated composite cylindrical panel, and an elastic isotropic cylindrical panel subjected to transverse loading are discussed. The inspiration of this stability analysis during the snapping process is based on the phenomenon of energy transfer from potential energy to kinetic energy as the applied load reaches the critical value. Some important features in dynamic analysis characterizing the snapping motion, which are not observed in static analysis, are shown. Different snapping phenomena in dynamic analyses are presented in terms of variations in depth and effects of anisotropy.