Stability analysis of single-layer elliptical paraboloid latticed shells with semi-rigid joints

• Models of semi-rigidly jointed elliptical paraboloid latticed shells are established.
• Parametric analysis of the latticed shells is carried out using ANSYS.
• Formulae for the critical loads of the semi-rigidly jointed shells are derived.

Based on the bending stiffness of socket joints obtained through experiments, the finite element models of single-layer elliptical paraboloid latticed shells with the semi-rigid socket joints are established. Parametric analysis of the latticed shells is carried out using ANSYS. The parameters considered are bending stiffness, ratio of rise to span, rotation-stiffness, ball size, asymmetric load distribution, tube section, support conditions and initial imperfections. The effects of the different parameters on the critical loads of the shells are thereby identified. Both geometric and material nonlinearity are considered during the analysis. Finally, formulae are derived for the calculation of critical loads of the shells under symmetric and asymmetric loading conditions. This will be useful for the design and application of single-layer latticed shells with semi-rigid joints.