This paper gives a theoretical method of analysis of the elastic bending of the general thin shell of revolution, subjected to axially symmetrical loading and temperature variations, by the use of finite differences. The method is comprehensive and applies when the shell thickness or material properties vary and could be used in a wide range of problems concerned with the design of pressure vessels and other shell structures.
To illustrate the application of the method five typical shell elemental shapes are analysed. Comparison with other theories, which are available for these cases, shows the finite difference approach to be highly accurate.
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