Large deflection analysis of a shallow spherical shell on a Pasternak foundation

A new approach due to Sinharay and Banerjee is extended for large deflection analysis of a shallow spherical shell on a Pasternak foundation. First, load-deflection characteristics are obtained using various approximate methods such as the Alpha method, Berger's method, the modified Berger's method and Sinharay and Banerjee's approach. The Alpha method is the least accurate one, Berger's method is more accurate than the Alpha method, and Sinharay and Banerjee's Approach is found to be the most accurate of all. Hence this technique is used to carry out the parametric studies for non-linear analysis. The effect of the geometric parameter, Poisson's ratio, foundation modulus and shear modulus on load-deflection characteristics is investigated for movably and immovably clamped and simply supported edge conditions.