Pressure and buckling resisting undulated polyhedral shell structure

Abstract

A structure is disclosed for resisting pressure, such as external and internal hydrostatic pressure loading. A plurality of flat polyhedral plates are sealed together along their edges to provide an undulated cylindrical shell. An inner cylinder (and end enclosures for transferring axial loading from the outer shell to the inner cylinder) provides axial restraint. A dome over the inner cylinder may form a part of the end structure of the shell. Inner beams, rods and stiffened plates may also be employed for additional radial restraint.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.