Uncertainty quantification of buckling properties for imperfect spherical shell subjected to external pressure

Abstract

This study focuses on analyzing the buckling properties of imperfect spherical shells, accounting for the uncertainty parameters of a spherical shell under external pressure. These parameters include geometric imperfections, thickness variations, material property variations, and boundary condition variations. A numerical analysis method utilizing ABAQUS is employed, incorporating these various uncertainty imperfection parameters into the numerical models. The study examines the influence of these factors on critical buckling load, mode shapes, and stress distribution. The results demonstrate that an increase in shell thickness leads to an increase in the spherical shell buckling load. Correlations between the imperfection parameters and the critical buckling load are established, providing crucial insights for design and analysis purposes. Furthermore, the study reveals the occurrence of various buckling modes and failure mechanisms, which is crucial for understanding the structural behavior of imperfect spherical shells subjected to external pressure.