Equation in complex variable of axisymmetrical deformation problems for a general shell of revolution (Q1191546)

The author presents a method for solving the problem of axisymmetric deformations and stresses of shells of revolution. The principal application of this study concerns more precisely the linear deformations of corrugated bellows made of ring shells of revolution. Contrary to modern numerical analyses based on discretized methods, the proposed one follows previous mathematical analyses from different authors since 1938, by use of equations in complex variables for problems supposed free from torsion. The equilibrium equations are established with all details in terms of two unknowns, namely the rotation \(\chi\) and a function \(\Phi\) of the transverse shear stress. The general way consists in defining a differential operator applied to a new complex variable written in terms of \(\chi\) and \(\Phi\). Different changes of variables are chosen in succession which take account, besides the Kirchhoff-Love assumptions, of some approximations concerning relations between the Poisson ratio and the curvature-over-the-thickness ratio. These various choices, carefully described, lead to retrieve the equilibrium equations stated formerly by previous authors in complex variables for circular cross-sections. The same approach is applied to more difficult cases of elliptic cross- sections, or slender ring shells with arbitrary cross-sections, or the same with elliptic ones, and finally to near circle elliptic cross- sections. The paper gives complete expressions of all the stress resultants as functions of the complex unknowns supposed to be a solution of the complex equation, the latter being solved by a way described in a former paper by the author. From both analytical and mechanical point of view, the paper is certainly interesting, though restricted to linear and mechanical assumptions. It remains to know if this approach could compete with modern analyses in structural mechanics.