A rational shape design of externally pressurized torispherical dome ends under buckling constraints

Abstract

In this work, the search for the optimal form for torispherical dome ends under external pressure load is conducted. Based on the fabrication and strength requirements, a group of ‘compromised’ contours are considered. With the adoption of both the BS5500 and ASME Section VIII Pressure Vessel codes, a reasonable buckling pressure range is proposed. The geometry of the dome end is described by the four-centered ellipse method which is commonly used in engineering drawing. A minimum weight optimization problem is studied by the discrete backtrack programming method; the optimal forms are obtained under buckling constraints. The elastic buckling analysis of the dome end is carried out by the finite element method using doubly-curved truncated shell elements. Two different sized dome end examples are studied. The developed optimal search procedure is found to be very efficient and easy-to-use for the applications, such as torispherical dome and subjected to externally pressurized loading.