Investigation of the stresses in a circular disk of non-uniform thickness due to bending, and procedures used in casting a suitable photoelastic model

Abstract

The purpose of the work reported in this thesis was to further the Investigation of the problem of bending in a circular disk of variable thickness. Many difficulties were encountered in this research arising from the use of ra new material for the photoelastic model, and it was necessary to experiment with specific procedures in adapting this material to the problem. Although no reliable quantitative data on the solution of the problem were obtained, it is hoped that some of the methods reported here will be useful in subsequent research of this nature. I am indebted to Mr. Ke-Sang Chun, former research fellow in mechanical engineering, ami to Professor W.B.Nordquist of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, for their previous work on this problem; to Mr. Wm. Slattery, formerly machinist in the Mechanical Engineering Materials Laboratory; to Professor S. Sergev of the Department of Civil Engineering; to Dr. G. L. Putnam of the Department of Chemistry; and to many others, particularly in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Washington. I am especially indebted to my advisor, Professor Emmett E. Day, for his invaluable advice and encouragement.