Iterative FD solution to bending of axisymmetric conical shells

A numerical solution is presented for determining the stresses and displacements in complete and truncated conical shells. The method is based on the classical bending theory of thin axisymmetric shells. The governing differential equation for a conical element is presented in terms of the meridional or axial displacement u and the normal displacement w. Then, an iterative finite difference technique is employed to determine the displacements and in turn the stresses. The method is applicable to short and long conical shells having simply supported, clamped, or free edges. The proposed method can easily be extended to tapered conical shells and other types of axisymmetric shells. Results are presented and compared with those of existing solutions.