Local loads on a toroidal shell

Abstract

In this study the effect of local loads applied on a sectorial toroidal shell (pipe bend) is considered. A linear elastic shell theory solution for local loads is first outlined. The solution corresponds to the case of a shell simply supported at the two ends. Detailed displacement and stress results are then given for a specific shell with loadings centred at three positions; the crown circles, the extrados, and the intrados. These results are compared with results for a corresponding cylindrical shell. The paper concludes with a table summarizing results for characteristic displacements and stresses in a number of shells, covering a wide range of geometric parameters.