Design of externally pressurized ellipsoidal heads with variable wall thicknesses

Abstract This study focused on the buckling and strength of ellipsoidal heads with variable wall thicknesses under uniform external pressure. The wall thickness of ellipsoidal heads was designed according to the isostrength principles. The wall thickness distribution of revolution for thin shells were proposed, and the influence of the ellipticity on the buckling of the ellipsoidal head was explored and the optimal ellipticity was presented. The results revealed that the buckling load of the ellipsoidal head with variable wall thickness was approximately 17% higher than that of the ellipsoidal head with constant wall thickness, while the volume decreased by 5%. This study can guide the design of constant strength ellipsoidal heads with variable wall thicknesses.