The Continuous Problem

Abstract

W.T. KOITER’s linear theory of thin elastic shells makes use of intrinsic geometrical properties of middle surface of the undeformed shell. Our first task is to define this middle surface and to record relevant results on differential geometry needed in the following. Next, from the knowledge of the geometry of the middle surface, we give the definition of the undeformed shell. Thus, we are able to give a variational formulation of KOITER’s model.