Aerospace Structures
Chapter 3
Abstract
The objective of this chapter is to offer the main theoretical background about thin
plates and shells. The student will also be provided by tools to apply the theoretical
concepts to the solutions of different problems related to the basic theory presented.
1. Introduction
Some basic structural components of an aircraft such as the part of skin located between
two adjacent stringers and ribs or frames, depending on whether we consider a wing or
a fuselage structure, correspond to a sheet of material whose thickness is small
compared with its other dimensions, but which is able to transmit not only membrane
forces but also bending moments. These kinds of components are defined as thin plates.
Thin plates
Authors: Enrique Barbero Pozuelo, Carlos Santiuste Romero, José Fernández Sáez,
Aerospace Structures
Chapter 3
Chapter 3 presents the basic formulation of thin plates, focusing mainly on rectangular
and circular ones, with different support conditions.
In some cases, the structural member with a thickness that is small compared with its
other dimensions is a curved surface. This kind of structure is defined as a structural
membrane or shell. This chapter also gives some basic ideas on calculating stresses,
stains, and displacements of shells which have an axis of revolution.
2. Theoretical contents
The theory of thin plates and shells is divided in three documents.
2.1. Bending of thin plates. This document includes the explanation of the next
concepts:
- Equilibrium equations
- Bending equations
- Boundary conditions
2.2. Circular plates. This document includes the explanation of the next concepts:
- Equilibrium equations in polar coordinate system
- Bending equations in polar coordinate system
- Boundary conditions in polar coordinate system
2.3. Shells of revolution. This document includes the explanation of the next
concepts:
- Membrane theory
- Basic geometrical relations
- Equilibrium equations for shells of revolution
- Displacement equations for shells of revolution
All these documents are organized following the next structure:
- Index
- Brief introduction
- Theoretical concepts
- Example/s
- References
Authors: Enrique Barbero Pozuelo, Carlos Santiuste Romero, José Fernández Sáez,
Aerospace Structures
Chapter 3
3. Exercises
Chapter 2 includes seven exercises that cover the main concepts explained on this plates
and shells. Conducting exercises by students is essential to understand the main
theoretical concepts of the chapter.
The following problems are proposed:
- Exercises 3.1 and 3.2 cover the concepts explained in document 3.1: bending of
rectangular thin plates.
- Exercises 3.3, 3.4., and 3.5 cover the concepts explained in document 3.2:
bending of circular thin plates.
- Exercises 3.6 and 3.7 cover the concepts explained in document 3.3: Shells of
revolution.
4. Auto-evaluation exercise
Finally, chapter 3 includes an auto-evaluation exercise. The students must use this
exercise to check if they have a deep understanding of the main concepts of this chapter.
This exercise includes different questions that cover basic parts of the theory explained
in chapter 3.
5. Suggested readings
T.H.G. Megson. Aircraft Structures for engineering students. Elsevier. 2007
Chapter 7: Bending of thin plates
J. A. Jurado Albarracín-Martinón y S. Hernández Ibáñez, “Análisis estructural de placas y
láminas”. Tercera Edición. Andavira editora 2014
Chapter 4: Flexión de placas delgadas en coordenadas polares
Chapter 7: Teoría de membrana en láminas de revolución
Chapter 8: Cálculo de diversos tipos de láminas de revolución
Authors: Enrique Barbero Pozuelo, Carlos Santiuste Romero, José Fernández Sáez,