A theoretical and experimental study of hemispherical shells subjected to axial loads between flat plates

Abstract The quasi-static loading of an open hemispherical shell along its axis of symmetry through a rigid flat plate is considered with particular reference to large deformations and buckling. Deformation patterns which are symmetric and non-symmetric about the axis are studied analytically and experimentally for models of different materials and radius to thickness ratios varying between 36 and 460.