Computer Modeling of Strengthening Mechanics of Glass Structural Elements by Compressive Stresses

This study focuses on proving the effectiveness of computer modeling for strengthening structural elements made of optical glass using electron-beam technology. This technology allows for enhancing the strength of structural elements such as windows for submarines and surface vessels, aircraft, objects in space, and so on. The protective shell of an infrared surveillance device is a spherical meniscus. The strengthening effect of the spherical meniscus is achieved through the electron beam processing of certain areas of the surface where significant tensile stresses occur. Prestressed regions of increased strength are created in the near-surface layer at the processing sites. The article presents a computer model of meniscus strengthening mechanics. To accomplish this, the authors employ a theory of spatial axisymmetric bodies developed by them. Using the “INTEGRAL-SV” software package, the areas of meniscus surface processing by the beam are determined. A numerical analysis of the stress-strain state of the processed meniscus under the action of introduced compressive stresses in the strengthened near-surface layer is conducted. Stresses in the strengthened near-surface layer is conducted. The authors then prove the safety of the consequences of electron beam processing for the meniscus. Afterward, a numerical experiment on the impact of meniscus processing on its strength is carried out, thus allowing the authors to demonstrate the effectiveness of computer modeling in solving strength problems.