THIN SHELLS.

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to give the analyst a physical appreciation of the behavior of thin shells so that he will be able to choose wisely and use effectively computer programs for structural analysis. Examples are selected to illustrate various linear and nonlinear stress, buckling, and dynamic phenomena of practical engineering structures of which thin shells are major components. Hints on setting up analytical models for shells are given, including how to distribute nodal points for accurate determination of stress concentrations and buckling or vibration modes, how to handle intersections of shells, how to treat discrete stiffeners in various ways, and how to model concentrated loads.