General instability and optimum design of grid- stiffened spherical domes
Differential equations for doubly curved orthotropic shells are derived, and stability solutions for the orthotropic idealization of grid-stiffene d spherical domes are presented. It is assumed that linear, small-deflection theory is appropriate. Some evidence in support of that assumption is given. Grid-stiffening proportions are optimized for design application to the spherical common dome problem, and the appropriate size of the spherical segment forming the dome is determined. The efficiency charts developed show that, in practical ranges of application, efficiently designed grid-stiffened domes would weigh only 30-40% of monocoque domes they would replace.