Static-31

Title

Elliptic membrane under uniformly distributed load

Description

An elliptical membrane of thickness, t and geometrical properties is subjected to a

uniformly distributed outward pressure.
Determine the edge stress at the target point C.

B
2.75 m

A
1m

C D
1m

thickness, t = 0.1 m
2.75 m

2m 2m
3.25 m 3.25 m

1
Verification Example

282
2.75 m q = 10 MPa

275
1m

1 8

2m

3.25 m

Structural geometry and analysis model

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MODEL

Analysis Type
2-D static analysis (X-Z plan)

Unit System
m, N

Dimension
Major radius 6.5 m Minor radius 5.5m

Element
Plane stress element, Plate element

Material
Modulus of elasticity E = 2.1×105 MPa
Poisson’s ratio ν = 0.3

Sectional Property
Thickness 0.10 m

Boundary Condition
Node 1~8: Constrain DZ and RY
Node 275~282: Constrain DX and RY

Load Case
Uniformly distributed outward pressure, q = 10 MPa

3
Verification Example

Results

The edge stress (σZ) at the target point C (Plane stress element)

The edge stress (σZ) at the target point C (Plate element)

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Comparison of Results

Unit: MPa
Result Element type Theoretical MIDAS/Civil
Plane stress 90.632
Stress (σΖ) 92.700
Plate 90.632

Reference

NAFEMS. (1989). “The Standard NAFEMS Benchmarks”, Rev. No TSNB, National

Engineering Laboratory, E. Kilbride, Glasgow, UK.