A REVIEW ON ELASTO-PLASTIC BEHAVIOUR
OF DOUBLY CURVED THIN SHELLS
Pophare S.M., Jadhav H. S.
smpophare300@gmail.com, hanmant.jadhav@ritindia.edu
Department of Civil Engineering,
Walchand College of Engineering, Sangli, Rajarambapu Institute of Technology, Islampur, India
Abstract—The shell structure has strength due to its geometri-
cal form. Reinforced concrete (RC) doubly curved shell structure
has high strength to weight ratio and stiffness as compared to
other structural form. Literature survey reveals partial behaviour
analysis of doubly curved RC shell is available, so following are
objectives of study. To do complete behaviour analysis of doubly
curved shell in linear elastic, nonlinear elastic and plastic state
to understand behaviour. To find the effect of parameter such
as boundary condition and radius of shell on load deflection
behaviour of shell. To locate initiation of plasticity and its spread
pattern on shell structure. To find the influence of reinforcement
on load displacement behaviour and strength of shell. To check
the suitability of limit state method for design of doubly curved
RC shell. Von- Mises and Tresca failure criteria are adequate
and analysis is done using finite element method. In RC shell due
to reinforcement, deformation reduces and strength increases as
compared to shell without reinforcement. The ratio of ultimate to
elastic load must be greater than 1.5 then only limit state method
is applicable and suitable to doubly curved RC shell. The future
area of research is outlined in conclusion.
Index Terms—Double curvature, elasto-plastic, non-linear, fail-
ure criteria, finite element method
I. I NTRODUCTION
Thin concrete shells are widely used in civil, nuclear, petro-
chemical field. Doubly curved Spherical, Elliptical Paraboloid,
Hyperbolic Paraboloid, Hyperbolic cooling towers are com-
mon shell structures. Shells have high degree of reserve
strength and stiffness as compared to other structures used
for similar purpose. To understand the complete structural
behavior of shell under loading it is essential to load the shell
from zero load to collapse load. The effort in design is to
make the shell as thin as practical requirements, so as shell
free from large bending stresses. Shell of double curvature
is most efficient of known structural form. The ultimate load
carrying capacity and maximum live load carrying capacity
is to be determined. The reserve strength beyond elastic
limit and partial safety factor are determined to understand
behavior. The research information about the influence of
reinforcement on shell strength and behavior may enable to
suggest some standard criteria about strength and quantity of
reinforcement. The horizontal force on the shell and supporting
structure changes behaviour of shell. The conventional analyt-
ical technique is insufficient to predict behavior of RC shell
structure accurately because of three reasons three dimensional
complex geometry, complex loading conditions and nonlinear
behavior of RC. The common factor causes nonlinearity in
RC structures are tension stiffening, compression softening
and development of nonlinearity around cracks during stress
transfer. These things can be calculated or behavior can be
well studied in constitutive model of RC. The global-local
finite element FE formulation makes it possible to transform
limiting parameters from local to global axes. After elastic
limit and at critical stage of loading, structure develop a small
plastic region and further if load is increased, plastic zone
also increases. If the load increment continued the plastic
region spread and at final level of load the entire structure
is converted into plastic zone. The initiation of plasticity and
its propagation pattern needed, to understand behavior of the
shell under static loading. In elasto-plastic behavior analysis
the original sectional details which represents stiffness of
member, considered to have yielding character which do not
affect the phenomena of plasticity. As stiffness of member
increases the collapse load also increases. Plastic behavior
represents stress redistribution, so elastic modulus reduction
may also be considered in plastic analysis of shells. The
composite sandwich, multilayer and laminated shells are weak
in transverse shear and collapse because of static normal
overloading at any inner lamina and interface, first and last
ply failure study is equally important. The solution of elasto-
plastic problem is found by many methods, finite element
techniques used and validation of results are done by closed
form solutions, experimental results and results available in
standard literature. Numerical solutions are made to show the
power and versatility of method used. The papers from 2002
to 2015 were considered for review, singly curved shells and
laminated composite shells were also part of review.
II. LITERATURE REVIEW
The curved plate is called shell structure, so most of the
researcher presented studies, on shells and plates in the same
research paper. The review is based on elasto-plastic analysis
formulation and solution technique, elasto-plastic numerical
analysis and shell materials as well on finite element modeling.
A. Elasto-plastic analysis formulation and solution techniques
The following procedure adopted in research work as, first
the problem is well defined then based on theory and data
mathematical model is prepared, solution technique is devel-
oped and then with problem solving tools such as computers,
statistics, numerical methods the numeric or graphical results
are found out. The global-local finite element formulation
based on Williams theory was proposed for doubly curved
laminated composite shells. Shell Kinematics is based on
Dvorkin and Bathe, Green-Lagrangian strain in linear and
non-linear terms. Displacement weighing function used to
derive symmetric discontinuous Galerkin [DG] weak form
of initial boundary value problem. The failure criteria are
similar to Mergheim. The solution is as evolution of enhanced
assumed strain [EAS] at element level and assembly of result-
ing element. This formulation is applicable to finite strain,
finite rotation, and nonlinear static and dynamic problems.
This formulation is also applicable for perfectly bounded and
delaminated interfaces [3]. Sandwich cylindrical shells with
composite skin and orthotropic core, fully clamped subjected
to uniform external pressure in all direction was considerd.
First the linear buckling equation considering shear strain
in terms of displacement and rotation is developed. Then
displacement, deflection and angle of rotation expanded into
trigonometric series and solution is done by Galerkin method.
The relationship between critical buckling pressure and core
material of sandwich cylindrical shell was established [4]. For
laminated composite cylindrical and doubly curved shell is
made up of number of laminated ply subjected to uniformly
distributed pressure, the minimum potential energy principle is
used to derive governing equations. The minimization of po-
tential energy with respect to deformation yields geometrically
linear and non-linear analysis condition. The laminate consti-
tutive relationship established between strain energy and strain
vector. Sanders non-linear strain displacement relationship and
Von-karman type geometric non-linearity used to find mid
surface strain. The solution of non-linear equilibrium equation
is done by Newton- Rapson iteration method to find force. The
lamina stress calculated using five failure modes fibre breaking
in tension, matrix cracking in tension, matrix shear failure, fi-
bre buckling in compression and matrix crushing. The first ply
failure load calculated by Maximum stress, maximum strain,
Hoffman, Tsai-wu and Tsai-Hill failure criteria. For the geo-
metrically linear and non- linear laminated composite shell the
first ply failure load is calculated. The various arrangement of
ply are [0◦ /90◦ ], [0◦ /90◦ /0◦ /90◦ ],[ 0◦ /90◦ /90◦ /0◦ ], [45◦ /-45◦ /-
45◦ /45◦ ] (all are angles in degrees)and short shell(a/ b=0.5),
square shell (a/ b= 1) and long shell (a / b=2) were used,
where a= span of shell b = radius of shell[5]. Homogenous
isotropic cylindrical metal shells subjected to elasto-plastic
buckling under axial compression is investigated numerically.
The accurate linear and non-linear finite element modeling for
buckling of cylindrical shell using flow and deformation theory
of plasticity is done. The shell is fully clamped at one end,
other end is fully restrained but axial deformation is allowed.
The uni-axial non-linear stress strain based on Ramberg-
osgood relationship and Von-mises failure criteria is adopted.
The arc-length technique of incremental approach is used
for solution of problem [6]. Thin cylindrical concrete shell
subjected to vertical surcharge and longitudinal load considerd.
The elasto-platic analysis is carried out using linear and non-
linear approach. The Von-mises and Tresca failure criteria
are used to calculate failure load in plastic zone [7]. Nu-
merical elastic modulus reduction method (EMRM) developed
to calculate elastic modulus reduction adjustment parameter
(EMRP), to find lower bound limit for thin plates and shells.
Fundamental shell equation is developed on classical thin plate
and shell theory. The elastic modulus is modified by EMAP to
establish elastic stress field. The four strategy is used to find
EMAP, fixed strain method(FSM), strain energy conservation
law(SECL), circular arc method(CAM) and strain energy
equilibrium principles(SEEP)[8]. For elasto-plastic analysis of
shallow shell singly curved and doubly curved with large
deflection and geometrical and material non-linearity improved
finite element is used. Hybrid method based on principle of
modified complementary energy with delta sequence function
used for analysis. Considering finite deformation of thin shell,
equilibrium equations are formulated with hybrid model and
Lagrange multiplier. Hooks law for elastic region and Prandtl-
Reuss equation and Von-mises yielding for inelastic range are
used. For inelastic range stress distribution across thickness
of shell expressed by using delta sequence function.[9]. The
elastic homogenous geometrical imperfect shallow spherical
shell, subjected to external pressure is analyzed by finite
element method. In plane shear and curvature strain and
stresses are formulated, Legendre transformation are used to
get explicit forms of strain energy and complementary strain
energy component using this mixed variational principles are
constructed[10]. Path dependent non-linear failure analysis of
RC shell structure with pressure node in layers is carried
out. Material non-linearity is represented as steel layer, plain
concrete or RC layer. Total Lagrangian formulation in Green-
Lagrangian strain field for geometrical non-linearity, and for
shear deformation Reisser-Mindlin formulation is adopted.
Mid-surface strain, curvature strain and in plane strain and
in layer strain is formulated. By neglecting stress normal to
thickness 3-D problem converted into 2-D problem. In shell
considering pressure node and pseudo volume technique is
used for setting solution [11].
B. Elasto-plastic numerical analysis and shell material
The numerical analysis is carried out to check versatility,
power and correctness of analytical formulation and assump-
tions made. The global-local formulation correctness and
power checked by solving numerical problems of hemispher-
ical shell, elasto-plastic cylinder, laminated semi-cylinder,
cylindrical panel under point load, simply supported lami-
nated cylindrical shell, double cantilever beam, impulsively
loaded cylindrical panel and load displacement relations
plotted and compared with earlier work[3]. The sandwich
cylindrical shell with clamped-clamped boundary conditions
subjected to uniform external lateral pressure. The critical
buckling pressure is calculated by analytical solution and
validated by finite element analysis results. The sandwich
cylinder is made with skin layer of glass fibre reinforced
polymer and isotropic core materials are made of different
materials such as polyetheretherketone(PEEK), poly carbon-
ate(PC), solid polypropylene (SSP) and high density polyimide
foam(HDPF)[4]. The simply supported cylindrical shell with
varying parameters like lamination, aspect ratio, thickness and
radius of curvature under uniform pressure for linear and non-
linear first ply failure is done. Graphite epoxy is used and
validation is done by available experimental results [5]. The
homogenous isotropic aluminum cylinder used for analysis.
Analytical and numerical solution is found out. The flow
theory and deformation theory is the basis of formulation and
result are validated with experimental results. The numerical
analysis is carried out by ABACUS software [6] The finite
element based code is developed in Fortran to do elasto-
plastic analysis of thin RC shells [7]. The numerical analysis
is carried out using commercial finite element package AN-
SYS considering generalized yield criteria and four strategies
of elastic modulus adjustment (SEMAS). Simply supported
thin rectangular plate with modulus of elasticity 209000MPa,
poisons ratio of material 0.29 and yield strength 200MPa.
Subjected to uniform load is investigated. SEMAS used to cal-
culate lower bound limit load [8].For verification of analytical
method used, numerical examples on square plate, cylindrical
shell and elliptical shell were solved. Load deflection analysis
was done for cylindrical elliptical parboiled shell with all
edges in clamped condition as well as for simply supported
conditions with uniform load . The bending and yielding
zone at upper and lower surface of shell is presented [9].
The polyvinylchloride and steel spherical shells considered,
the finite element analysis is carried out considering initial
geometrical imperfection. The load incremental and arc-length
incremental method used in this analysis the buckling pressure
and deflection are plotted. Pre-buckling and post buckling
deflection distribution are studied [10]. RC plate subjected
to in plane and out of plane loading vertical cracks, radial
cracks at post peak stage observed. The slab subjected to
cyclic transverse loading. The results of pseudo volume control
technique and an experimental result matches. RC dome
designed with three different amount of steel analyzed by
pseudo volume control technique [11].
C. Finite element modeling
In global-local formulation for deformation analysis using
4-noded element gives representative results [3].Buckling anal-
ysis of cylindrical sandwich shell first FE model is 4-noded
rectangular laminate for both core and skin. In second FE
model, for skin 4-noded element and for core 8-noded, 3-
D element were used [4]. Curved quadratic iso-parametric
element with 8-noded and 5- degree of freedom at each node
with C0 continuity is employed to find first ply failure load and
bending stiffness of cylindrical shell [5]. Plastic buckling of
cylindrical shell under axial load investigated by commercial
software ABACUS [6]. Elasto-plastic analysis of thin concrete
shell done by 4-noded flat plate element [7]. For limit analysis
of thin plates and shells commercial software ANSYS and 4-
noded element, shell43 and shell63 with 6-degree of freedom
(3-translation and 3-rotation) were used [8] for non-linear
buckling simulation by mixed FE method, ANSYS is used, and
for Spherical shell subjected to pressure node, 9-noded shell
element is used for pre and post buckling deflection [10]. For
failure analysis of RC shells Isoperimetric degenerated shell
element with 6-degree of freedom in each node used [11].
III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Review shows researchers are not working on mathematical
theories of shells, but on computational formulation of shells.
A new globallocal finite element formulation technique for
analysis of doubly curved shell using assumed natural strain
[ANS], EAS and DG method helps to reduce the effect
of parasite mesh locking and improves the performance of
element [3]. The sandwich cylindrical shell is used at Var-
ity of situations, the analytical formula derived to calculate
critical pressure on cylindrical shell with composite facing
and orthotropic core is suitable. The finite element result of
both finite elements and numerical solution are differing by
6 The nonlinear theory yields low values of first ply failure
load as compared to linear theory. Nonlinear theory can be
employed for realistic estimation of first ply failure load and
factor of safety is calculated based on this load. The ply
configuration [0◦ /90◦ /90◦ /0◦ ] (angles in degrees) gives highest
first ply failure load [5].The flow theory of plasticity matches
with the experimental result. This conclusion is in contrast
to other researchers conclusion and belief that flow theory
yields overestimation of buckling stress. Many researchers
conclude deformation theory yields accurate result is proved
wrong. This difference in result is due to assumption made for
buckling mode [6].The collapse load of concrete cylindrical
shell depends upon span to radius ratio, if ratio increases
from 1 to 3 the reserve strength capacity increases. When
short span to radius ratio is 1 the plasticity spreads from
corner of free edge to rigid diaphragm and then spread along
two edges. Then it progresses diagonally towards center of
shell. The reserve strength beyond elastic limit is two times
elastic strength[7].Nonlinear methods have lot of complexity
and stress redistribution takes place at plastic stage, so Elastic
modulus adjustment parameter (EMAP) is used to calculate
limit load. Limit load calculated by the FSM and SEEP
modeling with both element shell43 and shell63 matches with
yield line theory results. CAM and SECL models are less
convergent and precise than FSM and SEEP. CAM model
yields lower loads than other methods [8]. The pseudo volume
technique is used for nonlinear analysis of RC dome shell. As
the percentage of reinforcement in dome decreases, shell brit-
tleness, deformation and crack volume percentage increases
[11].
IV. C ONCLUSION
Literature review shows that complete behavior analysis
of doubly curved RC shell with reference to linear elastic,
nonlinear elastic and plastic state is not available. Not much
work is done on influence of reinforcement on load-deflection
behavior and strength of doubly curved RC shell. The limit
state method applicability and suitability for doubly curved
RC shell not yet checked by researchers.
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