Course overview
Plates and shells are common structural elements of most engineering structures, including aerospace, naval, automotive, and civil engineering structures, and their study, both from theoretical and analysis points of view, is fundamental to the understanding of the behaviour of such structures. The course includes strong coverage of fundamentals so that students can better understand the mechanics of plates and shells. In particular, it covers the following topics: plate bending theory, Kirchhoff hypotheses; bending of circular and rectangular plates; bending of plates of various geometry; combined loading; thermal stresses; membrane theory of shells and intro to asymptotic theories; momentum theory; axisymmetrically loaded circular cylindrical shells; applications to pressure vessels.
Course learning outcomes
- Have a deep understanding of the theory, concepts, principles and governing equations of the theory of shells and plates.
- Be gaining the physical intuition necessary to idealise a complicated practical problem.
- Possess the contemporary analytical, experimental and computational tools needed to solve the idealised problem.
- Have acquired the independent judgment required to interpret the results of these solutions.
- Be able to use these solutions to guide a corresponding design, manufacture, or failure analysis.
- Further develop interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication skills working on group assignments.
- Be able to learn independently new solutions, principles and methods, read and understand professional articles on the subject.