Computation of bending disturbances in axisymmetrically loaded spherical shells: a study of the accuracy of Geckeler's approximation

The accuracy of the bending disturbances in (axisymmetrically loaded) spherical shells is computed by means of the widely used simplified method known as Geckeler's approximation (often employed as a benchmark for numerical models). The study is based on a comparison between Geckeler's approach and a related, but ‘superior’ approximation which, for practical purposes, may be considered to be exact. Conclusions are drawn from the results of a parametric investigation that encompasses various loading types, boundary conditions and shell geometries (i.e. springing angles and slenderness ratios).