Global Stability Behaviour og Single-Layer Reticulated Domes Created Using a New Nomenclature

The primary objective of the paper is to investigate the post buckled behaviour of the single-layered Kite geometry dome developed using a novel crystallographic parameterisation principle. Both triangulated and non-triangulated domes are evolved based on the crystallographic parameterisation principles. It brings in a unique nomenclature for identifying different tessellations in reticulated single-layer dome configurations. This nomenclature brings in a physical meaning to dome tessellations instead of being called by the inventors such as Schwedler dome etc. In this paper, the effect of surface pattern on the load capacity of dome configuration is demonstrated with the comparison of domes having different surface patterns. The comparison of post-buckling behaviour of two different single-layer dome configurations - Kiewitt dome and Kite dome is presented. Despite having rigid nodal joints, the load capacity of the dome is significantly reduced when subjected to unsymmetrical and collateral loads due to the localised effect of these loads and the increased chance of snap-through compared to symmetrical uniform loading acting all over the structure. The Kite geometry have higher performance under uniform gravity loading with a low rise to span ratio.

Experimental and Numerical Investigations of Pressure Field of Curved Shell Structure Subjected to Interior Blast

A terrorist attack on a long-span spatial structure would cause horrible results. Therefore, it is important to determine the characteristics of blast pressure fields to protect such structures. In this study, fully confined blast loading tests were conducted using a rigid curved shell model, which had an inner space similar to that of a reticulated dome. Four different scenarios were carried out to record the blast loading on five typical positions. The blast pressure-time data were compared and analyzed. In addition, a suitable numerical simulation method was proposed for the issues involved in interior blast loading. This numerical model was verified by comparing with the test data. A parametrical analysis of the interior blast simulations was conducted based on this numerical method. The blast loading values at specific positions were obtained with the key parameters varied within a reasonable scope. The blast loading from blast tests and simulations were presented. On this basis, the interior blast loading could conveniently be predicted by using the method and data in this paper, which could be used in the protective design of other reticulated domes.

Failure Modes of a Reticulated Dome in a Small Airplane Crash

Since the 9/11 incident, many engineering research works have been conducted on the impact resistance of large-span space structures. In the present study, a small airplane, Bombardier Challenger 850, was chosen as the test subject. An airplane crash on a single-layered Kiewitt-8 reticulated dome with span 60 m considering roof sheathing effect was simulated using ANSYS/LS-DYNA software. The principles of establishing the numerical model of small airplanes were determined. In addition, the impact styles of small airplane and impact positions on the dome were investigated. The failure modes of reticulated dome with roof sheathing due to small airplane crash were identified. Furthermore, the failure modes between reticulated domes with and without roof sheathing were compared and the effect of roof sheathing on the failure modes of reticulated dome under a small airplane crash was investigated.