Nonlinear static analysis of an underwater elastic semi-toroidal shell

This paper addresses the nonlinear static behavior of an elastic semi-toroidal shell of circular cross section subjected to external hydrostatic loading by using membrane theory. In this study, semi-toroidal shell geometry can be computed by differential geometry. Energy functional of the semi-toroidal shell can be obtained by principle of virtual work, and written in the appropriate form. The static response of the semi-toroidal shell can be computed by nonlinear finite element method. The nonlinear numerical solutions can be obtained by the iterative method. The effects of sea water depth, cross-sectional radius to thickness, and cross-sectional to bend radii ratios on the displacement responses of the semi-toroidal shell are investigated in this paper. Interestingly, it is found that the maximum value of the displacement responses on the semi-toroidal shell under hydrostatic loading occurred to the toroid internal crest.