Membrane theory of shells

Summary

The membrane theory of shells, or membrane theory for short, describes the mechanical properties of shells when twisting and bending moments are small enough to be negligible.

The spectacular simplification of membrane theory makes possible the examination of a wide variety of shapes and supports, in particular, tanks and shell roofs. There are heavy penalties paid for this simplification, and such inadequacies are apparent through critical inspection, remaining within the theory, of solutions. However, this theory is more than a first approximation. If a shell is shaped and supported so as to carry the load within a membrane stress system it may be a desirable solution to the design problem, i.e., thin, light and stiff.[1]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Wilhelm Flügge, Stresses in Shells (1973) 2nd edition, Preface, p. iv. ISBN 978-3-642-88291-3. Originally published in German as Statik und Dynamik der Schalen (1937).

Literature edit

  • Ventsel, Eduard; Krauthammer, Theodor (24 August 2001). "Chapter 13. The Membrane Theory Of Shells". Thin Plates and Shells - Theory: Analysis, and Applications. CRC Press. pp. 349–372. doi:10.1201/9780203908723.ch13. ISBN 978-0-8247-0575-6. Retrieved 5 October 2014.
  • Practical industry example for plates and shell analysis - animated video