Nonlinear stability analysis of a radially retractable hybrid grid shell in the closed position

The buckling capacity of a radially retractable hybrid grid shell in the closed position was investigated in this paper. The geometrically non-linear elastic buckling and elasto-plastic buckling analyses of the hybrid structure were carried out. A parametric study was done to investigate the effects rise-to-span ratio, beam section, area and pre-stress of cables, on the failure load. Also, the influence of the shape and scale of imperfections on the elasto-plastic buckling loads was discussed. The results show that the critical buckling load is reduced by taking account of material non-linearity. Furthermore, increasing the rise-tospan ratio or the cross-section area of steel beams notably improves the stability of the structure. However, the cross section area and pre-stress of cables pose negligible effect on the structural stability. It can also be found that the hybrid structure is highly sensitive to geometric imperfection which will considerably reduce the failure load. The proper shape and scale of the imperfection are also important.