Analysis of elastic-plastic buckling and imperfection-sensitivity of shells of revolution

The nonlinear analysis of elastic-plastic shells of revolution is performed by combining an efficient one-dimensional transfer-matrix approach on the element level with the usual finite element assemblage of the system. It is based on a Fourier-representation of the loading, the shell variables and initial imperfections in the circumferential direction. This semi-analytical procedure is formulated for geometrically and physically nonlinear problems. It is applied to the detailed investigation of the buckling behavior and imperfection sensitivity of various dished end closures under external pressure. (orig.)