DYNAMICS OF FILM

The general theory of films as two-dimensional continua are elaborated upon. As physical realizations of such a model this paper examines: inextensible films, elastic films, and nets. The suggested dynamic equations have enabled us to find out the characteristic speeds of wave propagation of the invariants of external and internal geometry and formulate the criteria of instability of their shape. Also included herein is a detailed account of the equation describing the film motions beyond the limits of the shape stability accompanied by the formation of wrinkles. The theory is illustrated by examples. The effort was supported by Dr. A. Amos, Materials and Structures Division, Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology, National Aeronautics and Space Administration. © 1979 Sijthoff & Noordhoff International Publishers.