Stability Analysis of a Shallow Shell

Elastic very shallow shell subjected to the external pressure is analysed in the paper numerically by FEM. Nonlinear equilibrium paths are calculated for the different boundary conditions. ANSYS system was used for nonlinear analysis, arc-length method was chosen to obtain fundamental load-displacement path of solution. Effects of geometrical imperfections on equilibrium paths are investigated. Presented results confirm the fact that the nonlinear approach is necessary. The difference between the critical load of buckling analysis and the load value at the limit point of load-displacement path of nonlinear solution is in the tens of percent (depending on the boundary conditions).