An asymptotic analysis of end effects in the axisymmetric deformation of elastic tubes weak in shear: Higher-order shell theories are inadequate and unnecessary (Q1204990)

Based on Horgan's formulation of the axisymmetric deformation of a linearly elastic transversely isotropic circular cylinder [\textit{C. O. Horgan}, Int. J. Solids Struct. 10, 837-852 (1974; Zbl 0282.73008)], the author investigates a semi-infinite tube weak in shear and free or surface tractions. Asymptotic expansion in powers of the thickness to radius ratio is used in order to solve the governing equations for four sets of end conditions (prescribed equilibrated tractions, two combinations of prescribed tractions and displacements, and prescribed displacements). The solution consists of an interior (shell-like) expansion, and a wide and a narrow (boundary layer-like) part which varies rapidly through the thickness. Especially it is demonstrated that in the case of prescribed end-displacements the (lowest order) corrections to the classical shell equations cannot be made without consideration of three-dimensional edge effects due to the boundary layers. Higher order shell theories are shown to be inadequate and unnecessary.