Published online by Cambridge University Press: 07 June 2016
In this paper a generalised presentation for symmetrically stiffened orthotropic cylinders under compression is developed, based on a linear orthotropic stability theory of cylinders. Similarities and differences in the minimum weight behaviour of stiffened cylindrical shells and flat transversely-stiffened wide columns are investigated in some detail to provide a satisfactory physical picture. The concluding results provide a comparative evaluation of various forms of stiffening systems for cylindrical shells under compression.