This paper reinvestigates the classic problem of the dispersion relations of a cylindrical shell by obtaining a complete set of analytical solutions, based on Flügge’s theory, for all orders of circular harmonics, $n=0,1,2,…,∞$. The traditional numerical root search process, which requires considerable computational effort, is no longer needed. Solutions of the modal patterns (eigenvectors) for all propagating (and nonpropagating) modes are particularly emphasized, because a complete set of properly normalized eigenvectors are crucial for solving the vibration problem of a finite shell under various admissible boundary conditions. The dispersion relations and the associated eigenvectors are also the means by which to construct transfer matrices used to analyze the vibroacoustic transmission in cylindrical shell structures or pipe-hose systems. The eigenvectors obtained from the conventional method in shell analysis are not as conveniently normalized as those commonly used in mathematical physics. The present research proposes a new alternative method to find eigenvectors that are normalized such that their norms equal unity. A parallel display of the dispersion curves and the associated modal patterns has been used in the discussion and shown to provide a more insightful understanding of the wave phenomena in a cylindrical shell.

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