On the Construction of Mathematical Models of the Membrane Theory of Convex Shells

Introduction. The paper considers the issues of constructing mathematical models of the momentless equilibrium stress state of elastic convex shells using methods of the complex analysis. At the same time, shells with a piecewise smooth (ribbed) lateral surface were considered for the first time. The work objective was to find classes of shells for which it is possible to build meaningful mathematical models.Materials and Methods. Using the methods of the theory of the discontinuous Riemann-Hilbert problem for generalized analytic functions, a criterion for the unconditional solvability of the corresponding static problem for the equilibrium equation of a convex shell with a ribbed lateral surface has been obtained. This criterion, combined with the methods of the theory of generalized analytical functions, is a tool for constructing mathematical models of the state of momentless stress equilibrium of elastic convex shells.Results. A method has been developed for constructing mathematical models of the momentless equilibrium stress state of a convex shell under the action of a variable external load and the condition of stress concentration at the corner points of the median surface. The introduction of a vector parameter, as well as the concepts of “order of quasi-correctness” and “quasi-stability”, into the boundary condition provided both quantitative and qualitative comparison of mathematical models. Classes of shells have been found for which the description of mathematical models is given in terms of the geometry of the boundary in the vicinity of the corner points of the median surface. The obtained result, when applied to shallow convex shells, provides a geometric criterion of quasi-stability. It is established that for a shallow shell, which is not quasi-stable, the only adequate mathematical model is a probabilistic one.Discussion and Conclusions. The proposed method for constructing a two-parameter family of problems with a modified boundary condition makes it possible to simulate the momentless equilibrium stress state for fairly wide classes of convex shells with a piecewise-smooth lateral surface under a sleeve connection. At the same time, the developed algorithm for calculating the boundary condition index allowed us to answer the question of the existence of an adequate mathematical model for a shell with a side surface of an arbitrary configuration, and for shells of a special type (specifically, shallow or shells of revolution), to formulate a geometric criterion for the existence of a mathematical model.