An extended sequential limit analysis based on moving coordinates for pressurized spherical cap membranes with large shape change

Abstract

Sequential limit analysis (SLA) is an effective and normally used method to calculate the plastic limit load of structures with large deformation. However, attribute to the assumption of neglecting the changing behavior of shape and plane stress direction, the conventional SLA method would be inaccurate in the plastic response prediction for the large-shape-change structures, especially for the pressurized spherical cap. This research develops a novel analytical model for the pressurized spherical cap based on the advanced SLA method, which features introducing the moving coordinate system and considering of the changing behavior of shape and plane stress direction into the conventional method. With the proposed method, the effects of geometry and material parameters on the plastic limit load are analyzed. Compared with the validating FE simulation results of ABAQUS software, the newly extended SLA method performances a more precise prediction of the load deflection response and plastic limit load than the normal one. Due to the limit yield degree and bending moment, the accuracy of the new model will increase with the increase of yield strength and radius. The larger the initial deflection of the pressurized spherical cap is, the smaller the relative error between the analysis results of advanced SLA and FE method is. Moreover, this newly proposed SLA remains effective and accurate within a wide range of the initial thickness-curvature radius ratio, especially for low elasticity modulus materials.