Stresses in a Spherical Shell With a Circular Elastic Inclusion

The problem of a circular elastic inclusion in a thin pressurized spherical shell is considered. Using Reissner’s differential equations governing the behavior of a thin shallow spherical shell, the solutions for the two regions are obtained in terms of Bessel and Hankel functions. Particular cases of a rigid circular inclusion free to move with the shell and a clamped rigid circular inclusion are also considered. Results are presented in nondimensional form which will greatly facilitate their use in the design of spherical shells containing a rigid or an elastic inclusion.