Wrinkle-free solutions in the theory of curved circular membranes

Abstract

Rotationally symmetric deformations of a curved circular elastic membrane under a vertical surface load are studied, with prescribed radial stresses or radial displacements at the edge. Considering Reissner's theory of thin shells of revolution suffering small strains but arbitrarily large deflections and rotations, the determination of the principal stresses in the membrane is shown to be equivalent to the solution of a single, second-order ODE, expressed in terms of a geodesic variable. Analytical techniques are applied in order to determine a limit curve of those boundary data, which subdivide the parameter range into complementary domains of existence and non-existence of tensile solutions. Finally, the more restricted subdomain of those boundary parameters is determined which admit wrinkle-free solutions, i.e. solutions governed by a nonnegative radial and circumferential stress component.