Elastic plastic analysis of shallow shells - A new approach

Abstract

A simple and efficient method for the analysis of the elastic-plastic bending of shallow shells is presented. The method is based upon the concept of contour lines of equal deflection on the surface of the shell, and uses Illyushin's theory of plastic deformation. As an illustration of the method, a technically interesting example of a shallow elliptic elastic dome is examined. Results are obtained for increasing loads and varying aspect ratios, and are illustrated graphically. The application of the method to other shell geometries is quite straightforward.