Manufacturing Imperfection Sensitivity Analysis of Spherical Pressure Hull for Manned Submersible

摘要

Any pressure hull invariably has imperfections as a result of the manufacturing procedure. Imperfections in a spherical pressure hull are the basis for localized buckling and deformation behavior. Numerical analysis and analytical calculations are carried out to predict the buckling behavior and strength of a pressure hull made of titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) for both perfect and imperfect pressure hulls. Finite element analysis is carried out for different imperfection angles to see the effect on strength and buckling. Results of numerical analysis show that there is considerable reduction in both buckling pressure and strength as a result of imperfections. Hence, allowable deviation due to imperfection for a spherical pressure hull has to be considered for thickness calculations.