Assessing the Role of Initial Imperfections in Cylinder Buckling Using 3D Printing

This thesis assesses the role of several types of designed initial imperfection on the buckling behavior of 3D printed cylindrical shells through experimental method. The buckling loads and paths are given by the axial compression tests while the lateral force-displacement relationships are given by the lateral poking tests at first. Then the influences of designed imperfections on them are discussed. The test results show that the effect of designed initial imperfections in this thesis might be overridden by other unpredictable imperfections. Poking tests can provide some information on the buckling loads and paths that is difficult to obtain through compression tests. The designed buckling mode shapes imperfections may generate bigger influences than the designed imperfections as shown in this thesis.