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Instability Of Shell Structures

In scanning the list of participants in this symposium one can
only marvel to see that so many serious investigators in the field of
elastic stability can be gathered at any one time. Likewise, the papers
presented cover a cross section of the important recent works being ac-
complished in the field of shell stability. At such a distinguished
gathering, however, the responsibility of pointing out areas which are
not receiving sufficient emphasis, is of equal importance to the task
of reporting accomplishments. It is the hope of the authors that in
pointing out specific problem areas and, where possible, indicating
their relative hnportance in the design process, that interest will be
aroused and solutions be expedited. Contrary to what has quite often
become the expected plea, this paper will not ask for more effort in
the discipline of shell instability, rather a diversion of the serious
worker to the problem areas offering a maximum return potential.

Even a casual glance at Figure 1 would indicate the widespread interest in
shell stability as evidenced by the increase in the quantity of litera—
ture being published on shell analysis. unfortunately much of it is
concerned with peripheral problems and much deals with trivia. Perhaps
it was this inundation of mediocre and inconsequential papers that
prompted the editorial board of the Journal of Applied Mechanics to
adopt a policy which excludes from consideration, without review, papers
in the field of shell stability which employ small deflection theory or
otherwise apply established techniques to the solutions, "no matter how
interesting," (reference 3). While not a deterrent to all, at least
such a policy will discourage waste effort involving trivial refine-
ments and mathematical gymnastics. In the face of a limited and in-
expandable supply of canpetent talent we must turn our attention frcn
the inconsequential problens to those where increased knowledge and
analytical techniques hold pranise of increased structural reliability
and efficiency.