Numerical Nonlinear Elastic Analysis of Orthotropic Spherical Shells with an Elliptic Cutout

Study is made of how the nonlinear properties of orthotropic composites and the ellipticity of an opening affect the stress–strain state of thin spherical shells subjected to internal pressure. An analysis of numerical results reveals compression on the inside surface of the shell near the broad of the elliptical opening. It is pointed out that as the ellipticity increases, the deformation process near the opening transforms from uniform tension and bending, typical of a shell with a circular opening, to dominated tension near the narrow of the opening and to dominated bending near the broad.