An optimal design of internal pressurized stiffened conical shell is investigated using the genetic algorithm (GA) to minimize the structural weight and to prevent various types of stress and buckling failures. Axial compressive load is applied to the shell. Five stress and buckling failures as constraints are taken into account. Using the discrete elements method as well as the energy method, ...

We present results from an experimental investigation of the indentation of nonspherical pressurized elastic shells with a positive Gauss curvature. A predictive framework is proposed that rationalizes the dependence of the local rigidity of an indented shell on the curvature in the neighborhood of the locus of indentation, the in-out pressure differential, and the material properties. In our a...

We study the existence, localization and multiplicity of positive solutions for a nonlinear fourth-order two-point boundary value problem. The approach is based on critical point theorems in conical shells, Krasnosel’skĭı’s compression-expansion theorem, and unilateral Harnack type inequalities.

SUMMARY This Report considers theoretically and experimentally some of the problems associated with the flexure of two unequal cylindrical shells Joined by a conical frustum. Particular attention is given to the determination of the overall flexursl stiffness of the conical frustum and to structural design considerations associated with the provision of a separation capability in the frustum. T...

Article history: Received 5 February 2008 Available online 12 August 2008 This work is dedicated to the memory of Professor Liviu Librescu