Shells with random geometric imperfections simulation — based approach

The paper concerns the stochastic analysis of the static response of materially and geometrically non-linear models of imperfect shell structures. Geometric imperfections of shells are described using random variables or random fields. The Monte Carlo method combined with a finite element program analysis is employed. The proposed approach is used to analyse the non-linear post-buckling behaviour of a shallow cylindrical shell. The numerically obtained critical load histograms allow to estimate the structure reliability. The accuracy of simulation-based approach is discussed.