Non-linear model for stability analysis of reticulated shallow shells with imperfections

Abstract

A non-linear stability problem of imperfect reticulated shallow shells with distorted rectangular meshes is investigated in this paper. The fundamental governing equations are deduced by adopting an equivalent model and the principle of the virtual work. For the reticulated shallow spherical shell under uniform vertical load, an axisymmetrical case is considered and the analytical solution of the coupled equations is given with the help of the asymptotical iteration method. Meanwhile, non-linear characteristic relations concerning load, deflection and imperfection factor are numerically analyzed. In particular, the corresponding solution degenerates to that of a reticulated circular plate when the radius of curvature of the structure R → ∞.