A reduction factor for buckling load of spherical cap shells

The classical buckling theory usually overestimates the buckling load of shells. In this study, a reduction factor is determined using geometrical parameters so as to reduce the classical buckling load to a more realistic value based on the post-buckling load. It is observed that the buckling load is directly proportional to the thickness and rise and inversely proportional to the span of the spherical cap. Finite element modeling and simulation using ABAQUS was conducted to determine the buckling behavior of a spherical cap shell subjected to different initial geometrical imperfections. The load-deflection curves drawn from the simulation formed a plateau at the post-buckling load. It is observed that as the initial geometrical imperfection is increased, the value of the initial buckling load is almost the same as the value of the post-buckling load on the plateau. The results obtained from different shells were used to derive a formula for the reduction factor.