Generalization of response number for dynamic plastic response of shells subjected to impulsive loading

A dimensionless number, termed as response number in Zhao [Archive of Appli ed Mechanics 68 (1998) 524], has been suggested for the dynamic plastic res ponse of beams and plates made up of rigidly perfect plastic materials subj ected to dynamic loading. Many theoretical and experimental results can be reformulated into new concise forms with the response number. The concept o f a new dimensionless number, response number, termed as Rn(n), is generali zed in Zhao [Forschung im Ingenieurwesen 65 (1999) 107] to study the elasti c, plastic, dynamic elastic as well as dynamic plastic buckling problems of columns, plates as well as shells. The response number Rn(n) is generalize d to the dynamic behaviour of shells of various shapes in the present paper . (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.