FINITE DEFLECTION AND SNAPPING OF THIN ELASTIC FLAT PANELS

The problem of the non-linear, behaviour and stability loss of bars an d shells under finite deflection is discussed. The one-dimensional mod el, which plays a major part in the formulation of non-linear stabilit y problems, is described in detail. In this connection, Ivan Grigor'ye vich Bubnov's problem on the behaviour of a thin elastic cylindrical p anel is analysed (the problem was solved by him in 1902 and was the fi rst study on finite deflections of thin shells). The significance of t his result in the theory of shells in its own right and from the persp ective of the subsequent development of the theory is discussed. The i mportance of Bubnov's results in shell theory is pointed out. This als o includes his solution of the non-linear behaviour of circular plates and plane elastic panels. This is why he can be regarded as a forerun ner in formulating the equations of finite deflections of elastic thin -walled Foeppl-Karman-Marguerre surfaces. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Lt d.