Study of the precritical deformation of cylindrical shells made of inorganic glass with initial geometrical imperfections on subjecting to external hydrostatic pressure

Abstract

1. We have proposed a method which enables us, by considering the relative deviations of the outer and inner sides of the cross sections of cylindrical shells, to determine their average radius and thickness, together with the magnitude and distribution of the initial geometrical imperfections. 2. Under the influence of hydrostatic pressure, the initial shape of the cross section in silicate glass cylindrical shells usually undergoes a considerable rearrangement. In shells of ideal or nearly ideal initial geometry, the critical loss-of-stability shape corresponds to that predicted by the linear theory. In geometrically imperfect shells the change in the initial deflection develops in the following way: In the zones having the maximum initial deflection, the latter increases, while in the zones intermediate between those with the maximum initial geometrical imperfections a complete rearrangement of the initial equilibrium shape may occur. 3. Loss of stability of the equilibrium state in cylindrical glass shells leads to the exhaustion of their carrying capacity. 4. Until recommendations soundly based on a great deal of experimental data have been developed, the stability of smooth inorganic glass cylindrical shells having a maximum deflection of Wmax≤0.3H and H/R=0.06–0.07 may conveniently be estimated by reference to the upper critical load.