Abstract: In this paper,based on the Donnell-type theory for thin shell,atheoretical analysis is presented for the general stability of C/E compositetriangular grid conical shells under external pressure.The formulas for criticalexternal pressure are obtained by using Galerkin's procedure.Good agreementis shown between the theoretical prediction of critical external pressureand experimental data.

Key words: Subject Term Composite material, Stiffening rib, Conical shell, Structural stability.