ENGINEERING PROJECT PROPOSAL
Spring 2026
Title: Nonlinear Buckling of a Cylindrical Shell
Ref Code: NLBUCKL
Type: Group
Status: New
Availability: 2
Project Description:
Finite element analysis is a very important and useful tool in order to design structures and assess their performances. The performance criteria may be stated in various forms including under static loads, frequency response, buckling response, etc. The setting up of the problem, it’s solution as well as retreiving the results will require extensive knowledge about the FEA method, as well as a solid background in the theory of solid mechanics. In this project, the open-source CalculiX finite element software will be used to solve for the non-linear (large deformation) buckling response of a thin cylindrical shell.
Related UN SDGs:
(See https://sdgs.un.org/goals for details.)
- SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Expected Work:
- Lay out the theory of framework, look for available solutions for the linear buckling of cylindrical shells.
- Build a finite element model, determine and implement the steps required to model the nonlinear buckling of the structure.
- Post-process the results
Preferred Qualifications and Skills:
- Willingness to learn and work with specialized simulation software (CalculiX).
- Prior exposure to numerical methods (finite element, finite difference, or related) is helpful but not required.
- Familiarity with concepts in mechanics or applied mathematics is a plus.