Free vibration characteristics of cylindrical shells partially buried in elastic foundations

Free vibrations of cylindrical shells partially buried in elastic foundations based on the finite element method were examined. The shells are discretized into cylindrical finite elements and the distribution of the foundation in the circumferential direction is defined by the expansion of Fourier series. The present formulation can be simply applied to consider non-uniformities in the foundation both in the circumferential and longitudinal directions. Convergence issues with the present method are explained. Numerical results of the natural frequency and mode for various shell geometries and foundation parameters are given to provide a clearer picture of the shell characteristics in linear vibrations. The relative stiffness ratio of foundation and shell is discussed. The results of free vibration analysis for partially suspended shells on elastic foundations are also presented.