MODELING OF THIN-WALLED SHELLS FOR BUCKLING INVESTIGATIONS BY ELECTROPLATING: PART I - MANUFACTURE OF MODELS.

Advances in numerical stress-analysis techniques have reduced the amount of testing of physical models. Model analysis still serves an important function by checking the validity of the mathematical model, as a means of forming the engineering judgment needed for the critical factor that might be missed otherwise. Geometrical accuracy is the first requirement placed on the model. This is difficult to achieve in the case of thin-walled shells under external pressure since the strength of such structures can be severely impaired by the presence of shape imperfection. Further requirements are that the material must be isotropic, with uniform elastic and mechanical properties, and that there should not be any residual stresses. Electrolytic deposition on high-precision removable cores offers a way of satisfying all these requirements.