Inelastic buckling analysis, experimental tests on vessel heads

In the absence of a complete, consistent general theory of elastic/plastic buckling, it proved necessary to develop and expand mathematical models designed to obtain the critical loads with technically sufficient accuracy. This undertaking cannot be based merely on intellectual speculations. It requires solid experimental foundations. In determining adequate mathematical models, developing and improving them, as well as for their indispensable validation, it is necessary to refer to a suitable body of experimental results. Use was made of the available results in the literature, and an experimental program was launched at the Saclay Nuclear Research Center. (orig.)