Comparison of the Results of the Dynamic Response of Cylindrical Shells by Characteristic and by Finite Element Methods: Axisymmetric Case.

Abstract : The response of an infinitely long cylindrical shell buried in a bi-linear (hysteretic) material is obtained for a pressure pulse, applied to the inner boundary of the shell. The solution is obtained by means of a characteristic approach. Comparison of this solution with one obtained from a computer program for the same configuration using the finite element method is given. Also given are comparisons for a similar configuration, where the pressure is applied at an outer boundary in the medium, the solution of which was described in a previous report. Both sets of comparisons are in very good agreement. Finally, a criterion is given which permits one to judge the order of agreement which is to be expected in other situations, for the case of an incoming wave. (Author)