Study on applicability of modal analysis of thin finite length cylindrical shells using wave propagation approach

Donnell＇s thin shell theory and basic equations based on the wave propagation method discussed in detail here, is used to investigate the natural frequencies of thin finite length circular cylindrical shells under various boundary conditions. Mode shapes are drawn to explain the circumferential mode number n and axial mode number m, and the natural frequencies are cal- culated numerically and compared with those of FEM （finite element method） to confirm the reliability of the analytical solution. The effects of relevant parameters on natural frequencies are discussed thoroughly. It is shown that for long thin shells the method is simple, accurate and effective.