Experimental study of thin square slabs, embedded on all four sides (pressure vessel floors)

This work was designed to test experimentally the mechanical strength of large thin plates made of non-magnetic stainless steel and subjected to transverse forces; these plates are intended to be used as the flooring of pressure vessels. The characteristics are as follows: Test 1: type: NS 22 S - Ugine; overall cross-section mm x mm: 1497 x 1555,5; thickness mm: 3 Test 2: type: Fluginox 130 - Ugine; overall cross-section mm x mm: 2100 x 2100; thickness mm: 3 Test 3: type: 832 MVR - Avesta; overall cross-section mm x mm: 2090 x 2090; thickness mm: 5. The plates were mounted on frames, each pillar of which had been previously pre-stressed, at its centre point, with a force of 300 kg (test 1), 600 kg (test 2), 800 kg (test 3). The experiments showed that the amounts of flexion at the centre w were related to the loads q by equations of the type: qa4/Dh = w/h[A+B(w/h)2] where 2a, h and D represent respectively the length of a side, the thickness and the rigidity under flexion of the plates held on the four sides. The coefficients A and B have been determined for different cases; the equations obtained are discussed. It is shown in particular that prestressing of the pillars is beneficial but that the movement of the plates at their edges cannot be considered to be non-existent with the set-ups used. (author) 1967