Stresses in shallow axisymmetric shells using a casting procedure

Normal and radial displacements of a shallow thin sheil of revolution are related by theoretical considerations. Radial displacements are calculated from slope measurements on the generatrices of the initial shell surface (before loading) and of the final shell surface (after loading). Membrane and bending stresses over the entire shell surface are then computed from the measured slope values and the calculated radial displacements. A measuring technique is developed which is especially suitable for shallow shells enclosed in small spaces. It consists mainly of making a cast of the initial and final shell surface using an epoxy platic. The disklike cast is cut along its diameter. The slope values are measured optically along the line which is formed by the intersection of the cutting plane with the deflection surface. The method is applied to a shallow thin shell of revolution in contact with a concentric piston and to a clamped circular plate, both experiencing large axisymmetric deflection.