Numerical Analysis of a Conical Shell by a Finite Element Model Based on the Discrete Kirchhoff Hypothesis.

Abstract

The linear axisymmetric analysis of a lateral pressure loaded conical shell is presented using a ring type finite element model based on the discrete Kirchhoff hypothesis. The inplane and transverse displacements as well as the rotations at each node are represented by a linear function of the meridional coordinate. The analysis is an extension of earlier work using the same element in the sense that the coupling effect of bending and extension is included. The results of the investigation indicate that the proposed model is capable of accurately describing coupled bending and extension effects. In addition to the numerical results obtained several advantages and disadvantages of this element are brought out. In particular, the element stiffness coefficients can be derived easily because of the simplicity of the assumed vector field. However, it appears that the price paid for such a simple vector field approximation is an undue amount of machine storage and execution time, even for a relatively small number of elements. Several suggestions are made for minimizing some of these difficulties. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1970
Accession Number
AD0717770

Entities

People

  • George E. Weeks

Organizations

  • University of Alabama in Huntsville

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Axisymmetric
  • Coefficients
  • Couplings
  • Displacement
  • Numerical Analysis
  • Rotation
  • Stiffness
  • Transverse

Readers

  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • Mechanical Engineering/Mechanics of Materials.
  • Systems Analysis and Design