Based on a semianalytical solution of the state-vector equations, we propose a novel
mathematical model for the free vibration analysis of cylindrical shells with stiffeners
and for cylindrical panels with discontinuities in thickness and/or with cutouts. The
shell and stiffeners are regarded as three-dimensional elastic bodies, but the same
quadrilateral element is used to discretize the shell and stiffeners. The method
accounts for the compatibility of displacements and stresses on the interface
between layers of the laminated shell and stiffeners, for transverse shear
deformation, and of course for the rotational inertia of the shell and stiffeners. To
demonstrate the model’s excellent predictive abilities, several examples are analyzed
numerically.
The model can be easily modified to solve problems of stiffened piezolaminated
plates and shells, or plates and shells with patches made of a piezoelectric
material.