Influence coefficients for the edge deformations of open-crown ellipsoidal shells which are subjected to edge bending loads aid uniform internal pressure are given in the paper. The coefficients were obtained by integrating the classical small-deflection differential equations of equilibrium on a high-speed digital computer.

The ranges of the parameters investigated were as follows: ratio of semimajor axis to semiminor axis, 2:1 and 3:1; ratio of semimajor axis to shell thickness, 15 through 200; central opening in shell, 20° to 100°. However, since the differential equations and resulting coefficients were made dimensionless, the results given apply to many more shells than those investigated.

The availability of these edge coefficients means that a rapid and accurate formulation of the compatibility equations at ellipsoidal shell junctions is now possible. This, in turn, means that, the determination of the edge moments and shears acting around the junction is very much simplified.