Effects of geometrical and loading parameters on wave propagation in a circular ring

A theoretical investigation into the transient elastic response of a circul ar ring under radial impact is undertaken. The effects of ring curvature, c ross-section geometry and impact duration on the resulting shear force, axi al force and bending moment distributions and ring deformation are examined . This extends an earlier effort (Shim, Quah, J. Appl. Mech. 65 (1998) 569- 579) which employed classical Timoshenko beam theory, coupled with the meth od of characteristics, to analyse propagation of flexural waves in rings. T he present study shows that curvature and ring cross-sectional geometry do not significantly affect the development of bending moments and shear force s but influence axial forces induced and the deformed shape. It is found th at for a given impulse, propagation of generalised forces and the deformati on geometry depend on impact duration. Wave speeds relating to different de formation modes are governed primarily by curvature and cross-sectional geo metry. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.