3D Vibration Analysis of Hermetic Capsules by Using Ritz Method

A three-dimensional (3D) method of analysis is presented for determining the free vibration frequencies of a hermetic capsule comprising a cylinder closed with hemi-ellipsoidal caps at both ends. Unlike conventional shell theories, which are mathematically 2D, the present method is based upon the 3D dynamic equations of elasticity. Displacement components [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] in the radial, circumferential, and axial directions, respectively, are taken to be periodic in [Formula: see text] and in time, and the Legendre polynomials in the r and z directions instead of ordinary ones. Potential (strain) and kinetic energies of the hermetic capsule are formulated, and the Ritz method is used to solve the eigenvalue problem, thereby yielding upper bound values of the frequencies. As the degree of the Legendre polynomials is increased, frequencies converge to the exact values. Typical convergence studies are carried out for the first five frequencies. The frequencies from the present 3D method are in good agreement with those obtained from other 3D approach and 2D shell theories proposed by previous researchers.