Course detail
Thin-walled Structures
FSI-RTK Acad. year: 2025/2026 Winter semester
Thin-walled structures represent a specific type of problem, which cannot be fully explained in the basic course Strength of Materials II.
This course deals with these specifics in detail for individual types of thin-walled structures: membranes, plates, membrane and bending theory of shells and thin-walled beams. Basic equations describing the
above problems are formulated, the possibility of their analytical solution is discussed and numerical solution by the FEM is realised in seminars. Attention is also paid to the stability and vibration of thin-walled structures. In vibration, besides the numerical analysis of modal characteristics, students gain the experience in experimental modal analysis, which is a part of practical training.
Language of instruction
Czech
Number of ECTS credits
5
Supervisor
Entry knowledge
Mathematics: linear algebra, matrix notation, functions of one and more variables, calculus, ordinary and partial differential equations.
Others: basic theory of elasticity, dynamics, theory and practical knowledge of the FEM, including nonlinear problems solution.
Rules for evaluation and completion of the course
The course-unit credit for seminars is granted under the condition of:
- active participation in seminars,
- individual preparation and presentation of a seminar project.
Final evaluation is based on the result of examination, which has a form of a written test of gained knowledge.
Attendance at practical training is obligatory. One absence can be compensated by working out an additional assignment. Longer absence is compensated by special tasks assigned by the tutor.
Aims
The course objective is for students to get a complete view of the possibility of computational and experimental solution of individual classes of thin-walled problems.
Students will be able to classify correctly individual practical problems in the context of theory of thin-walled bodies. They will discern relevant and irrelevant input parameters from the point of view of structural response and possible failure modes such as large displacements, structural instability or load-bearing capacity. They will be able to select an effective solution algorithm for each problem.
The study programmes with the given course
Programme N-IMB-P: Engineering Mechanics and Biomechanics, Master's
specialization BIO: Biomechanics, compulsory-optional
Programme N-IMB-P: Engineering Mechanics and Biomechanics, Master's
specialization IME: Engineering Mechanics, compulsory
Type of course unit
Lecture
26 hours, optionally
Syllabus
1. Introduction, classification of thin-walled structures, internal forces, shear effects
2. Membranes – basic equations, Airy stress function, numerical solution
3. Plates cartesian coordinates, possibility of analytical solution
4. Plates in polar coordinates
5. Vibration of plates
6. Axisymmetrical shells, membrane theory
7. Axisymmetrical shells, bending theory, local effects in contact between bottom and wall of cylindrical vessel
8. Basic principles of normative standards for boilers, pressure vessels and pipes
9. Vibration of axisymmetrical shells
10. Thin-walled beams – coupled bending and torsion, shear centre, deplanation
11. Stability and load-carrying capacity – introduction, stability of struts and strut systems
12. Stability of membranes, plates and cylindrical shells
13. Numerical solution of stability problems – linear and nonlinear stability
Computer-assisted exercise
13 hours, compulsory
Syllabus
1. Overview of thin-walled finite elements, characteristics, limitations
2. Example of analytical solution of membrane and comparison with FEM solution
3. Solution of rectangular plate by infinite series
4. Numerical solution of plates by FEM
5. Consultation of semester projects
6. Modal analysis of rectangular plate by FEM
7. Experimental modal analysis of rectangular plate, influence of boundary conditions on frequency, comparison with FEM
8. Modal analysis of axisymmetrical shell by FEM
9. Experimental modal analysis of axisymmetrical shell, comparison with FEM
10. Consultation of semester projects
11. Influence of shear stress on deformation and stress state of thin-walled beam
12. Numerical solution of stability of cylindrical shell
13. Presentation of seminar projects