Theoretical and numerical analyses of rotating discs of non-uniform thickness and density

Theoretical and numerical methods are used for stress–strain analysis of rotating discs with non-uniform thickness and density. An elastic–linear hardening material is assumed. A theoretical solution employs a technique called variable material properties (VMP) theory. A numerical solution is based on solving the governing differential equation using Runge–Kutta's method for elastic and plastic regimes. Finite element modelling of the problem has also been carried out using commercially available software. The results of the three methods are presented and compared and generally show good agreement. The suggested VMP method provides reliable means for complex discs for which there are no exact solutions. Although a specific disc profile has been studied here, the VMP method shows no restriction for the solution of any other disc profiles.