Finite element analysis is carried out for cylindrical shells with large openings subjected to axialtension. By utilizing a parametric study, the paper investigates the effect of the size of the opening, on stressesin cylindrical shells. It has been found that any increase in (a/R) ratio produces a correspondent increase in thestress concentration factor. This is particularly true for higher values of curvature parameter β. Comparing thefinite element results with those obtained from analytical solutions, the overall agreement between the two setsof results is found reasonably good. Furthermore, many models with reinforced openings are tested. It has beenfound that using reinforcements in the immediate area near the opening is more effective in reducing stresses.However, the efficiency of this method is reduced considerably when applied to larger openings or when thereinforced area becomes wider.
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