ABSTRACT 



This report reviews the "state of the art" in the field of pressure hull 

 structural analysis. Equations and formulas developed from consider- 

 ations of thin- shell theory to describe the elastic and inelastic behavior of 

 ring- stiffened cylindrical shells under the action of hydrostatic pressure 

 are summarized. 



No direct comparison between theory and experiment is included 

 herein; however, only those analyses are included which represent the 

 most up-to-date knowledge, in the opinion of David Taylor Model Basin 

 structural analysts, and which have found firm experimental confirmation. 

 This presentation should not be interpreted as representing an exhaustive 

 review of all available stress and stability analyses for ring- stiffened 

 cylindrical shells under hydrostatic pressure, but merely one which 

 includes only those formulations which are essential and which have found 

 extensive use in the design of cylindrical pressure hulls. 



A few introductory remarks on some of the more promising high- 

 strength hull materials and on new and untried hull configurations and 

 construction techniques presently being investigated at the Model Basin 

 are also presented. 



