Free Vibration of Spherical Shells Using a Hybrid Finite Element Method

In this study, free vibration analysis of spherical shell is carried out. The structural model is based on a combination of thin shell theory and the classical finite element method. Free vibration equations using the hybrid finite element formulation are derived and solved numerically. Therefore, the number of elements chosen is function of the complexity of the structure. Convergence is rapid. It is not necessary to choose a large number of elements to obtain good results. The results are validated using numerical and theoretical data available in the literature. The analysis is accomplished for spherical shells of different geometries, boundary conditions and radius to thickness ratios. This proposed hybrid finite element method can be used efficiently for design and analysis of spherical shells employed in high speed aircraft structures.