Memorial stele on a compact spherical support: design-and-engineering solutions, design-basis justification

The article presents the design of the architectural and artistic composition “Memorial stele on a local spherical support” (KB-1 Stele), as well as the analysis of design solutions and the calculated justification of the strength and stability of the KB-1 Stele to external influences in conditions of the most intense climatic influences with parameters set according to building codes and regulations. The design of the KB-1 Stele is a vertically installed overall mass model of a peaceful nuclear explosive device weighing 2.8 tons and 2.8 meters high with hemispherical covers. In accordance with the terms of reference, it was required to preserve the appearance of the device as accurately as possible by placing it on a small local support. The peculiarity of the design lies in its angular mobility relative to the support. To ensure a stable equilibrium state of the stele, a hinge is organized at the place of support, the stele is installed freely by the lower sphere on an intermediate stand with a specially selected spherical surface. Additionally, the center of mass of the stele is significantly reduced by lightening (thinning the walls) of the upper part of the body and installing additional cargo in its lower part. As a result, under the action of external lateral loads, the stele acquires a stable position with possible fluctuations in the tumbler type and with a return to its original state. Analytical and numerical computational studies were performed to substantiate the strength and stability of the KB-1 Stele under external loads. It is shown that the developed design meets the regulatory requirements and is safe in operation.