Schalenträger

Schalenträger is a German term that translates to "shell carrier" or "bowl carrier." In engineering and construction, it refers to a type of structural element characterized by its curved or dished shape, resembling a bowl or shell. These elements are often used to support loads by distributing them across their surface area.

The inherent strength of a shell structure comes from its geometry. When properly designed, the forces acting on a schalenträger are primarily in-plane, meaning they are tensile or compressive forces within the material itself, rather than bending forces. This makes them very efficient in terms of material usage and load-bearing capacity.

Common applications for schalenträger include domes, vaults, and shells used in architecture, as well as components in mechanical engineering like pressure vessels and automotive body panels. The curved form allows for the spanning of large distances with relatively thin materials. Examples can be found in historical structures like cathedrals and modern buildings, as well as in industrial equipment. The design and analysis of schalenträger often involve principles of shell theory, which is a specialized area of structural mechanics.