THE ELASTIC BUCKLING STRENGTH OF SPHERICAL GLASS SHELLS
Abstract
The potential of spherical glass shells for deep submergence applications was explored by determining the hydrostatic collapse strength of 20 hemispheres of annealed Pyrex glass. The experimental collapse pressures, which ranged between 6700 and 43,250 psi, were adequately calculated using an empirical design equation for the elastic buckling strength of initially imperfect spheres. Maximum stress levels of about 300,000 psi were obtained in these tests. These results do not demonstrated the maximum compressive strength of Pyrex glass since each failure initiated in the elastic buckle range. The tests verify earlier calculations which indicated that spheres of Pyrex glass or of other ''bridgmanite'' materials have an outstanding strength-to-weight advantage over any other type hull using known materials. However, the long- term mechanical properties of glass in a marine environment must be evaluated before its potential for deep-submergence applications may be properly assessed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0423588
Entities
People
- Martin A. Krenzke
- Robert M. Charles