SINGLE DISCIPLINARY PROJECT

APPLICATION FORM
FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH GRANT SCHEME (FRGS)
SKIM GERAN PENYELIDIKAN FUNDAMENTAL
(Pindaan 1/2023)

JABATAN PENDIDIKAN TINGGI

KEMENTERIAN PENDIDIKAN TINGGI

A. Application Details
Application ID 479674-488123

Reference Code FRGS/1/2023/TK10/UITM/02/3

A(i). Selected Grant

FRGS 2023-1
Scheme

A(ii). Title of Proposed Experimental and Numerical buckling analysis of an imperfect stiffened steel spherical shell subjected to
Research Project external pressure

Stiffened Steel Spherical shell; Eigenmode imperfection; Single Load Indentation (SLI) imperfection; Closed-
A(iii). Keywords
form lower-bound empirical formula; Buckling; Design codes; Knockdown factor

B. Details of Project Leader

B(i). Name Azizul Hakim Bin Samsudin

Doctor of Philosophy (Mechanical Engineering), 2019

B(ii). Academic Qualification
Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Mechanical, 2014

B(iii). Nationality Malaysia

B(iv). IC/Passport No. 900212016869

B(v). Position Senior Lecturer

B(vi). Institution Universiti Teknologi MARA (UITM)

B(vii). Faculty/Centre School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering,

B(viii). Unit/Department

B(ix). Office Phone No. 073818408 Ext.8408

B(x). Handphone No. 0192524488

B(xi). E-mail Address azizulhakim@uitm.edu.my

B(xii). Date of First Appointment with this Institution 11/05/2020

B(xiii). Type of Service (Permanent/Contract) Permanent 01/06/2055

C. Research Information

C(i). Research Domain

Research Domain Sub Research Domain

Technology and Engineering Mechanical & Manufacturing

C(ii). Research Cluster

Cluster: Frontier Technologies & Advanced Manufacturing

C(iii). 10-10 Malaysia Science, Technology, Innovation and Economy (MySTIE) - based on 10 Socio-
Economic Drivers
MySTIE: Smart Technology and Systems (Next Generation Engineering and Manufacturing)

C(iv). Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG: SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

C(v). Research Related Ministries (including agencies thereof)

Ministry: Kementerian Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi (Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of Malaysia)

C(vi). Location of Research

Location

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Kampus Pasir Gudang, Cawangan Johor

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam

C(vii). Duration of this research

2/October/2023
From

30/September/2025
To

Duration 2 years

C(viii). Other Researchers To add a project member from a government agency/foreign institution/industry, the project leader
needs to register the new member if he/she is still not registered in MyGRANTS database. Please click the icon to search for existing
or add new members.

Ne
xt
Faculty/
Ap
Rese IC / School/
Area of poi
arche Name Passport Centre/ Position Role
Expertise nte
r Id Number Unit/
d
Department
Lea
der

Failure
analysis, Check the finite element (FE) simulation of the
MOHD Senior
Jabatan FEA, stiffened steel spherical shell subjected to external
SHAHROM 8412291 Lecturer
21331 Pengajian buckling, pressure in term of package geometry, material model
BIN 46427 (Pensyarah
Politeknik Thin- and properties, selection of the mesh, mesh
ISMAIL Kanan)
walled sensitivity study and the consistency of the results.
structures

FEA,
Biomecha
Jamaluddin Universiti Mathematical derivation of the knockdown factor for
7201281 Professor nics,
24265 Bin Teknologi the stiffened steel spherical shell subjected to external
05545 (Professor) Composit
Mahmud MARA pressure
e
Materials

Nur Aini
Biomecha
Sabrin Universiti
8707090 Lecturer nics and Parameters determination of the proposed stiffened
61136 Binti Teknologi
35550 (Mrs) Biomateri steel spherical shells
Manssor MARA
als
@ Shukri

C(ix). Research projects that have been completed or are on-going by project leader in the last three
years

Title Grant Name Role Progress (%) Status Duration Start Date End Date

C(x). Academic publications that have been published by the project leader in the last five years
 Title Name of Journal Year

Effects of laminate arrangement on the failure behaviour of hybrid International Journal on Advanced Science
2019
composite plates under transverse sinusoidal load Engineering Information Technology

C(xi). Executive Summary of Research Proposal

(Please include the problem statement, objectives, research methodology, expected output/outcomes/implication, and significance of
output from the research project)
Steel spherical domes are considered to be typically thin-walled structures and are highly susceptible to buckling under external
pressure, especially when empty or during operation. Literature reviews prove that to date, it is critical to investigate the catastrophic
failure of buckling on an imperfect steel spherical shell due to its typical thin-walled structures and are highly susceptible to buckling
under external pressure, especially when empty or during operation in the area of pressure vessels/tanks, submersible structures,
vacuum vessels (in the chemical industry), aerospace, and civilian applications. Previous studies showed discrepancies in the
buckling resistance of an imperfect Stiffened Steel Spherical Shell between the design method proposed in the European Standard
EN1993-1-6 and the analytical formulas recommended in the British Standard PD 5500. Moreover, an independent and accurate
model has not been established to predict the buckling behavior on Stiffened Steel Spherical Shell. Therefore, the proposed research
aims to determine a closed form lower-bound empirical formula based on variations of stiffened steel spherical shell configurations.
Three (3) phase of methods will be proposed to comply the three objectives respectively. Phase 1 is the validation process where
numerical analysis data will be validated with experimental data. Next, the selection of the imperfection approach and then, to
propose a closed form lower-bound empirical formula based on variations of stiffened steel spherical shell configurations. The
expected outcome of this study is to produce a new theory to predict the buckling load of stiffened steel spherical shell. The study
does associate with RMK12; Theme 1: Resetting the Economy, Game Changer II: Catalyzing Strategic and High Impact Industries
to Boost Economic Growth. The study is expected to support the policy in resetting the economy to address current and future
economic challenges centered around building resiliency and competitiveness by leveraging advanced technology adoption and niche
capabilities.

C(xii). Detail Planning

(a) Research background

1. Problem Statement
Literature reviews prove that to date, it is critical to investigate the catastrophic failure of buckling on an imperfect steel spherical
shell due to its typical thin-walled structures and are highly susceptible to buckling under external pressure, especially when empty or
during operation in the area of pressure vessels/tanks, submersible structures, vacuum vessels (in the chemical industry),
aerospace, and civilian applications. Previous studies showed discrepancies in the buckling resistance of an imperfect Stiffened
Steel Spherical Shell between the design method proposed in the European Standard EN1993-1-6 and the analytical formulas
recommended in the British Standard PD 5500. Moreover, an independent and accurate model has not been established to predict
the buckling behavior on Stiffened Steel Spherical Shell. Therefore, the proposed research aims to determine a closed form lower-
bound empirical formula based on variations of stiffened steel spherical shell configurations.

2. Hypothesis
It can be remarked that there is still a lack of information and effective guidelines reported in literature for introducing an imperfection
in the stiffened steel spherical shells under combine loading, i.e. axial compression and pressurized loads. Thus, relevant updates
are always sought to address the new design challenges that suit the current technology demands. In the present study, we propose
to evaluate the response of the stiffened steel spherical shells subjected to axially compressed or externally pressurized load or
combination of both by utilizing the SPLA and SID method through finite element analysis and experiment. The propose works are
purely numerical and with experimental works, and it verifies the recently develop imperfection models/technique with the published
experimental data given in (Abramovich et al., 1988; Kwok, 1991; Walker et al., 1982). The contribution of the study covers the
influence of initial imperfection in terms of its depth, magnitude, size and location to the corresponded shells buckling strength.
Inclusive recommendations are also can be introduced by examining the buckling resistant of stiffened steel spherical shells in
accounting their geometrical variations.

3. Research Questions
1. What are the major problem related to buckling failure mechanism of stiffened steel spherical shell subjected to external pressure?
2. What are available and accurate imperfection models/techniques that account the real initial geometric imperfection of stiffened
steel spherical shell?
3. How accurate the recent imperfection models/techniques in validating the stiffened steel spherical shell buckling nature including
its strength and failure mechanism?
4. How does the proposed closed form lower-bound empirical formula able to improve the knowledge and understanding of stiffened
steel spherical shell?
5. What design rules and conclusions can be withdrawn considering the latest imperfection model/technique and its affect with such
structures accounting their geometrical variations?

4. Literature Reviews
Spherical shells are commonly used in many engineering applications. Typically, they are used as partitions in pressure
vessels/tanks, as domes to close the ends of cylindrical pressure vessels, or as hatches to cover the access ports of variously
shaped pressure vessels in subsea applications, vacuum vessels (in the chemical industry), aerospace, and civilian applications [1].
In these engineering applications, the shell will most likely be subjected to various loading conditions, with external pressure being
the most common. The final strength and stability of externally pressurised spherical shells depends strongly on their shape, material
properties, pre-buckling deformations and geometric imperfections [2]. For submersibles application, the shell usually has to be
designed to meet the ultimate strength requirements with some safety margin to achieve the desired diving depth [3]. Some success
stories in submersible design and development include Jiaolong, operated by China NDSC [4], Shinkai, operated by JAMSTEC,
Nautile, operated by IFREMER, and Consul AS37, operated by the Russian Navy. In practice, the spherical shell is designed
following contemporary design standards such as European Convention for Constructional Steelwork [5], Det Norske Veritas [6],
British Standard [7], and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) [8]. These design standards were derived from the results of previous
tests, particularly those conducted by the British and American naval research institutions. The design curve in Section 3.6 of PD
5500 is derived from the lower bound of the experimental results. Conversely, the ECCS design code also used the previous
theoretical and experimental results as the basis for the design code. Recently, a series of experiments have been conducted for (i)
spherical shells [9] and (ii) hemispherical shells [3,10] subjected to external pressure. The tests are considered to be of high quality
since they give a repeatable buckling load for identical models. Moreover, the spherical shell can be classified as a complete, deep,
and shallow shell/structure [11].
The presence of an initial structural imperfection is inevitable and poses a challenge to an engineer as it can affect the integrity and
stability of the structure. To this day, the formation of initial imperfections puzzles engineers/designers as they have been defined in
terms of its position, dent- amplitude, worst shape, etc. It is well known that most fabricated or machined spherical shells are
susceptible to the presence of an initial imperfection. Practically, the initial geometric imperfection is most likely due to accidental
damage [20]. In this regard, the ability to understand the situation can give the engineer an advantage in his safety measures and
failure prevention. On average, structural imperfection can reduce the buckling load, Pimp, on the perfect structure, Pperf, by 20%-
50%. In general, the load-carrying capacity of the shell structure is referred to as the knockdown factor (KDF) (i.e., Pimp/Pperf).
Measured geometric imperfections (MGI) is one of the experimental techniques to evaluate structural imperfection for spherical
shells [10] and cylindrical composite shells [12]. The MGI technique is considered to be time consuming and very expensive
because the fabricated shell must be measured using optical measurement systems. An alternative way to evaluate the imperfection
sensitivity of shell structures is to apply different methods using finite element analysis (FEA), namely: (a) eigenmode imperfection,
(b) single load indentation (SLI) imperfection approaches, and (c) the reduced stiffness method (RSM). For years, eigenmode
imperfection has been used extensively to mimic initial structural imperfection for various forms of shell structures at an earlier
design stage using FEA [13,14]. Although in practice, most imperfections found in structures do not have this buckling mode [15]. In
some cases, the eigenmode imperfection does not appear to be the worst imperfection. Therefore, the need for more realistic forms
of imperfections is considered essential. Hühne et al. [16] introduced the single perturbation load analysis (SPLA) imperfection
approach. In this method, the lateral concentrated force applied to the outer surface of the shell is used to simulate the dent/ dimple
shape of the structural imperfection. In [17], it was reported that in addition to the SPLA, the single load indentation (SLI)
imperfection method can also be used to estimate the knockdown factor of the cone-cylinder shell assembly. This technique is
identical to the SPLA except that a displacement load is used instead of the lateral force to create the dent imperfection. Multiple
lateral loads along the shell circumference were also been used to demonstrate the worst type of imperfection level [18]. This
technique is referred to as the worst multiple perturbation load approach (WMPLA). Błachut [19] investigated the externally
pressurized dome knockdown factor that accounts for dimple imperfection by using multiple approaches, namely (i) Legendre
polynomials, (ii) increased-radius patch, and (iii) a localized inward dimple. It has been reported that the location of the dimple has a
strong influence on the sensitivity of the structures [14,15]. Another well-known method, the reduced stiffness method (RSM), is
performed by reducing or eliminating the components of the membrane stiffness of the shell, leaving only the bending stiffness. In a
recent study, the membrane stiffness is reduced locally rather than globally, which is called the locally reduced stiffness method
(LRSM). Wagner et al. [11,20] investigate the imperfection sensitivity and design of spherical domes under external pressure using
LRSM.

5. Relevance to Government Policy (if any)

The study provides an effective solution to the field of design or failure testing of pressure vessels/tanks, subsea structures, vacuum
vessels, aerospace and civil applications associated with the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (RMK12) 2021 – 2025; Theme 1: Resetting the
Economy, Game Changer II: Catalyzing Strategic and High Impact Industries to Boost Economic Growth.

The study is expected to support the policy in resetting the economy to address current and future economic challenges centered
around building resiliency and competitiveness by leveraging advanced technology adoption and niche capabilities. Thus, the focus
industries in the study such as subsea structures, vacuum vessels, aerospace and civil applications are identified as strategic and
high-impact industries and activities that will catalyse economic growth.

Aligned with the Twelfth Plan, efforts will be focused on accelerating these industries to be more sophisticated by producing high-
value-added activities and products, attracting quality investments for sustainable economic growth.

Relevant to government policies

The study provides an effective solution to the field of design or failure testing of pressure vessels/tanks, subsea structures, vacuum
vessels, aerospace and civil applications associated with one of the 11 KPT’s 11th aspirations, which is

1. “to strengthen Malaysia's intellectual resources”

By accomplishing the study, 1 human capital with a higher degree (M.Sc. student) is produced

2. “readiness to manage various changes and technological booms”.

A new horizon for science, technology and innovation can be explored by completing the study

(b) References
[1] O. Ifayefunmi, Buckling behavior of axially compressed cylindrical shells: Comparison of theoretical and experimental data, Thin-
Walled Struct. 98 (2016) 558–564. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tws.2015.10.027.

[2] P. Jasion, K. Magnucki, Elastic buckling of Cassini ovaloidal shells under external pressure - Theoretical study, Arch. Mech. 67 (
2015) 179–192.

[3] S.R. Cho, T. Muttaqie, S.H. Lee, J. Paek, J.M. Sohn, Ultimate Strength Assessment of Steel-Welded Hemispheres under Extern
al Hydrostatic Pressure, J. Mar. Sci. Appl. 19 (2020) 615–633. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11804-020-00178-8.

[4] J. Błachut, The Use of Composites in Underwater Pressure: Hull Components, Comput. Exp. Methods Struct. 9 (2018) 99–146. ht
tps://doi.org/10.1142/9781786344335_0004.

[5] ECCS, Buckling of steel shells european design recommendations, Buckling Shells. 5th Ed. Brussels Eur. Conv. Constr. Steelwo
rk. (2008).

[6] DnV, DNV RP-C202: Buckling Strength of Shells, Det Nor. Verit. AS. (2013) 27.

[7] PD 5500, Specification for unfired fusion welded pressure vessels This publication is not to be regarded as a British Standard ., (2
009) 904.

[8] American Bureau of Shipping., Underwater Vehicles, Systems and Hyperbaric Facilities, (2021) 77 p. in various pagings.

[9] A. Evkin, Properties of local buckling of spherical shell under external pressure, Thin-Walled Struct. 185 (2023) 110629. https://do
i.org/10.1016/j.tws.2023.110629.

[10] Y. Zhu, Y. Zhang, X. Zhao, J. Zhang, X. Xu, Elastic–plastic buckling of externally pressurised hemispherical heads, Ships Offsh
ore Struct. 14 (2019) 829–838. https://doi.org/10.1080/17445302.2018.1564541.

[11] H.N.R. Wagner, C. Hühne, S. Niemann, Robust knockdown factors for the design of spherical shells under external pressure: de
velopment and validation, Int. J. Mech. Sci. 141 (2018) 58–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmecsci.2018.03.029.

[12] R. Xin, V.T. Le, N.S. Goo, Buckling identification in composite cylindrical shells with measured imperfections using a Multi-DIC
method and finite element analysis, Thin-Walled Struct. 177 (2022) 109436. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tws.2022.109436.

[13] O. Ifayefunmi, J. Błachut, Imperfection Sensitivity: a review of buckling behaviour of cones, cylinders and domes, J. Press. Ves
sel Technol. 140 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4039695.

[14] M.S. Ismail, J. Mahmud, A. Jailani, Buckling of an imperfect spherical shell subjected to external pressure, Ocean Engineering.
275 (2023) 114118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2023.114118.

[15] M.S. Ismail, O. Ifayefunmi, S.H.S.M. Fadzullah, Buckling of imperfect cylinder-cone-cylinder transition under axial compression,
Thin-Walled Struct. 144 (2019) 106250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tws.2019.106250.

[16] C. Hühne, R. Rolfes, E. Breitbach, J. Teßmer, Robust design of composite cylindrical shells under axial compression — Simulat
ion and validation, Thin-Walled Struct. 46 (2008) 947–962. http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0263823108000438 (accessed
July 7, 2014).

[17] S.G.P. Castro, R. Zimmermann, M.A. Arbelo, R. Degenhardt, Exploring the constancy of the global buckling load after a critical
geometric imperfection level in thin-walled cylindrical shells for less conservative knock-down factors, Thin-Walled Struct. 72 (2013)
76–87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tws.2013.06.016.

[18] P. Hao, B. Wang, G. Li, Z. Meng, K. Tian, D. Zeng, X. Tang, Worst Multiple Perturbation Load Approach of stiffened shells with
and without cutouts for improved knockdown factors, Thin-Walled Struct. 82 (2014) 321–330. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tws.2014.05.00
4.

[19] J. Błachut, Locally flattened or dented domes under external pressure, Thin-Walled Struct. 97 (2015) 44–52. https://doi.org/10.10
16/j.tws.2015.08.022.

[20] H.N.R. Wagner, C. Hühne, J. Zhang, W. Tang, On the imperfection sensitivity and design of spherical domes under external pre
ssure, Int. J. Press. Vessel. Pip. 179 (2020) 104015. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpvp.2019.104015.

[21] J. Błachut, Buckling of shallow spherical caps subjected to external pressure, J. Appl. Mech. Trans. ASME. 72 (2005) 803–806.
https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1993667.

[22] Eurocode 3, Eurocode 3 - Design of steel structures - Part 1-6: Strength and stability of shell structures, 2007.

[23] V.I. Wingarten, P. Seide, NASA SP-8032: Buckling of Thin-Walled Doubly Curved Shells, (1969) 1–33.

[24] A. Evkin, M. Kolesnikov, D.A. Prikazchikov, Buckling of a spherical shell under external pressure and inward concentrated load:
Asymptotic solution, Math. Mech. Solids. 22 (2017) 1425–1437. https://doi.org/10.1177/1081286516635872.

(c) Objective(s) of the Research

The objectives of this research are:
The objectives of this research are:

1. To conduct an experimental work for a stiffened spherical shell under external pressure

2. To validate the experimental work with Finite Element (FE) model

3. To proposed a new formula to estimate the buckling performance of stiffened spherical shell via parametric study of the FE model

(d) Methodology:

1. Description of Methodology
Figure 1: Overall methodology of the research

This research is divided to three (3) phases where Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 reflect to the Objective 1, Objective 2 and
Objective 3 respectively. Figure 1 shows the overall methodology of the research.

PHASE 1

The numerical model of the stiffened steel spherical shell is expected to validate against the experimental data. Tenth (10) laboratory
scale stiffened spherical shells subjected to external pressure (see Figure 2 (a)) are described in the following terms: Spherical
radius, R, spherical thickness, t, base radius, e, spherical height, H, and semi-vertex angle, φ, as outlined in Figure 2 (b). The details
of the research activities can be refer to Figure 1.
Figure 2: (a) Load and boundary condition of externally pressurized spherical shell and its (b) schematic diagram

To support the numerical model, it is common to calculate the buckling capacity of the pressurized spherical shell using the
industrial design code. The guideline proposed by the British Standard PD 5500 design code [7] was chosen in this study to calculate
and verify the buckling pressure of the tested spherical shells. This approach is crucial for verifying the reliability of the existing
design rules and their usefulness for preliminary estimation of buckling load. In general, the available design rules use the
conventional working stress to determine each failure mode. Apart from the working stress and safety factors, the design rule also
takes into account several uncertainties, namely eccentric boundary conditions and loads, material hardening and structural
imperfections of the tested spherical shell structures. However, it is worth to mention that British Standard PD 5500 design code
does not account for the case of stiffened steel spherical shell. Therefore, the result generate from this analysis is consider as a
preliminary data.

The critical buckling formula, Pcr of a complete spherical shell under external pressure according to PD 5500 design code [7] is
expressed by equation (1).

In the case of plastic buckling, the yield stress is important, and an approximate value for a plastic buckling pressure, Pyield, is
given in equation (2).
The design code PD 5500 estimated the collapse pressure using equation (3)

By completing the first phase (Phase 1) which is validation process, the first objective (Objective 1) of study is completed.

PHASE 2

In this section, a numerical work was carried out to evaluate the influence of the initial geometrical imperfection of a stiffened steel
spherical shell under external pressure. The imperfection techniques used were also tested to investigate the realistic case of
imperfection for the stiffened steel spherical shell structure. Following the European Standard EN1993-1-6 [22], the Geometric and
Material Nonlinear Imperfection Analysis (GMNIA) approach was used for the analysis. The influence of the initial geometric
imperfection on the buckling strength of the stiffened steel spherical shell is evaluated using two types of imperfections, namely (i)
the single load indentation (SLI) imperfection and (ii) eigenmode imperfection. These imperfections were separately superimposed on
the perfect model, with the range of imperfection amplitude versus wall thickness, wo/t, varied between 0.0 and 2.5. The imperfect
stiffened steel spherical shell sensitivity was performed for the case of (i) a hemispherical shell and (ii) shallow shell, which is
constitutively demonstrated by the UNHS1 model, the D6 model, and the #1 model.

SINGLE LOAD INDENTATION (SLI) IMPERFECTION

For the SLI case, as shown in Fig. 4 (a), a displacement-controlled perturbation load was applied laterally to the mid-section (i.e.,
below the crown area) of the spherical shell until the required indentation depth is reached. Thereafter, the magnitude of perturbation
load is held constant to eliminate springback while external pressure is applied at an incremental rate of nonlinear analysis via the
Riks method until the collapse load is reached. The bottom of the spherical shell is assumed to be in a fully constrained state during
the application of the lateral load and external pressure. The reason for applying the lateral load in the mid-section of the spherical
shell is explained by the fact that the imperfection in this area usually occurs in the form of depressions or dents [3,11].

EIGENMODE SHAPE IMPERFECTION

For the case of eigenmode imperfection, the modes were varied from n = 1, n = 2, and n = 3, as shown in Fig. 4 (b) - (d) using the
UNHS1 model as an example. The use of selected eigenmodes is necessary to determine the lowest knockdown factor of the shell.
Then, a nonlinear static analysis using the modified static Riks method was performed to determine the collapse pressure of the
spherical shell. Again, similar to the SLI case, the bottom of the spherical shell is assumed to be in a fully constrained state during
the application of the external pressure.
Figure 3: Illustration of imperfection shape exemplified by UNHS1 model for (a) SLI – mid-section, buckling mode shapes (b) n = 1,
(c) n = 2, and, (d) n = 3

By completing the second phase (Phase 2), the second objective (Objective 2) of study is completed.

PHASE 3

The input parameters used for the parametric study are listed in Table 1. Parameter variation was set in 3 dimensionless-ratio
groups, namely, (i) R/t, (ii) H/R, and (iii) σYield. As mentioned below, 4 types of spherical shells were tested, with each type of shell
consisting of 12 cases. Therefore, 48 numerical models will be run via FE nonlinear analysis using ABAQUS in the range of input
parameters.

Table 1: The input parameters used for the parametric study

The empirical formula to estimate the knockdown factor of steel spherical shell can be refer to guideline by NASA SP-8032 [23], as it
is very general and flexible when dealing with different shell buckling problems. The use of the NASA SP-8032 guideline is still
relevant in the aerospace or subsea industries at the preliminary design stage, as all aerospace or subsea regulatory agencies have
adopted this procedure as a safe and conservative approach equivalent to implementing the lower bound of the buckling knockdown
factor curve. The NASA SP-8032 guideline is calculated under the following condition:

according to NASA SP-8032 [23] the shell parameter, λ are calculate by the following equation (4)

simultaneously the spherical shell knockdown factor (KDF) is calculated by following the equation (5)

Table 2 indicates (i) Energy Barrier Criterion (EBC) from [24] and (ii) Wagner [20], as indicated in.

A closed-form lower-bound empirical formula of a spherical shell subjected to external pressure is presented by Evkin et al. [24]
using the following equation (6):

This study is unique in that there have been fewer or no studies on this topic for the case of stiffened steel spherical shell. The
intention of this study is to propose the new equation that can predict the stiffened steel spherical shell load carrying capacity. The
information, expertise, and conclusions from this study are intended to provide insight into the field of design or failure
examination/testing of pressure vessels/tanks, submersible structures, vacuum vessels (in the chemical industry), aerospace, and
civilian applications.

2. Flow Chart of Research Activities 'FIGURE 1.pdf'

3. Research Activities
 Activity Start Date End Date

Initial Preparation (Searching for suppliers, hiring MSC student) 02/10/2023 31/12/2023

Fabrication of stiffened steel spherical shell according to PD 5500 01/01/2024 31/03/2024

Testing for Material Properties Characterisation refer to ASTM E8. 01/04/2024 30/06/2024

Testing of stiffened steel spherical shell refer to EN 1993-1-6. 01/07/2024 30/09/2024

Numerical Modelling, Simulation Analysis and Validation 01/10/2024 31/12/2024

Numerical study to investigate the imperfection sensitivity of stiffened steel spherical shell 01/01/2025 31/03/2025

Parametric study to derive a closed form lower-bound empirical formula for the stiffened steel spherical
01/04/2025 30/06/2025
shell

Documentation and Final Report 01/07/2025 30/09/2025

4. Milestones

Cumulative
Project
Description Date
Completion
Percentage(%)

Objective 1 - To conduct an experimental work of stiffened steel spherical shell subjected to external
30/09/2024 40
pressure for a validation purpose.

Objective 2 - To numerically investigate the imperfection sensitivity of a stiffened steel spherical shell
31/03/2025 70
subjected to external pressure using different imperfection approaches.

Objective 3 - Based on the suitable imperfection approach, further numerical investigations were
performed on variation of stiffened steel spherical shell configurations to derive a closed form lower- 31/08/2025 80
bound empirical formula that extend on what being propose by Evkin et al. [40].

Completion of Research 30/09/2025 100

Gantt Chart of Research Activities with Milestones

Objective 1 - To conduct an
experimental work of stiffened...
Objective 2 - To numerically
investigate the imperfection...
Objective 3 - Based on the
suitable imperfection approach,...
Completion of Research

Initial Preparation (Searching for suppliers, hiring MSC student)

Fabrication of stiffened steel spherical shell according to PD 5500

Testing for Material Properties Characterisation refer to ASTM E8.

Testing of stiffened steel spherical shell refer to EN 1993-1-6.

Numerical Modelling, Simulation Analysis and Validation

Numerical study to investigate the imperfection sensitivity

of stiffened steel spherical

Parametric study to derive a closed form lower-bound

empirical formula for the stiffened steel spherical

Documentation and Final Report

10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
2023 2024 2025
(e) Expected Results/Benefit

1. Novel theories/New findings/Knowledge

1) This study is expected to produce a new theory to predict the buckling load of stiffened steel spherical shell.
2) The new information, expertise, and conclusions from this study are intended to provide insight into the field of design or failure
examination/testing of pressure vessels/tanks, submersible structures, vacuum vessels (in the chemical industry), aerospace, and
civilian applications.
3) This results of this study can help the designer to improve the safety and reduce the catastrophic failure of stiffened steel
spherical shell.

2. Impact Statement on Quintuple Helix (please delineate/describe expected research deliverables on Society, Academia,
Government, Industry and Environment)
The study provides an effective solution to the field of design or failure testing of pressure vessels/tanks, subsea structures, vacuum
vessels, aerospace and civil applications associated with the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (RMK12) 2021 – 2025; Theme 1: Resetting the
Economy, Game Changer II: Catalyzing Strategic and High Impact Industries to Boost Economic Growth.

The study is expected to support the policy in resetting the economy to address current and future economic challenges centered
around building resiliency and competitiveness by leveraging advanced technology adoption and niche capabilities. The study
associated with one of the 11 KPT’s 11th aspirations, which is

1. “to strengthen Malaysia's intellectual resources”

By accomplishing the study, 1 human capital with a higher degree (M.Sc. student) is produced

2. “readiness to manage various changes and technological booms”.

A new horizon for science, technology and innovation can be explored by completing the study

3. Research Publications (Each proposal must produce at least two (2) papers in indexed journals, one of which should be in Web of
Science (WoS))

Indexing Body Indexed Journal

Number of Publication Name of Journal

WoS 1 Thin-Walled Structure (ISI/SCOPUS indexed, Impact Factor: 5.881, Q1)

SCOPUS 1 Journal of Mechanical Engineering (ISI/SCOPUS indexed, Impact Factor: 0.25, Q3)

ERA

MyCITE

Total 2

4. Specific or Potential Applications of the Research Findings

This study could provide insight into the field of design or failure examination/testing of pressure vessels/tanks, submersible
structures, vacuum vessels (in the chemical industry), aerospace, and civilian applications.
Total Number of Applications: 1

5. Number of PhD and Masters (by research) Students

Total Number of PhD (by research) Student(s):
Total Number of Masters (by research) Student(s):
1
Remark (if any):
To train one (1) MSc student with the proposed title: "Buckling of an imperfect stiffened steel spherical shell subjected to external
pressure"

6. Intellectual Properties (IPs)

One (1) copyright on the program.
Total Number of IP: 1

Access to Equipment & Material(s)

Type Description Owner Location Address

UiTM Shah
Abaqus Finite Element software To run simulation UiTM Computer Lab, PKA
Alam
universal testing machine (+- 30kN load For Experiment Strength of Materials Lab, UiTM Shah
UiTM
cell) purpose PKM Alam

UiTM Shah
High performance computing facilities To run simulation UiTM Computer Lab, PKM
Alam

Sample Fabrication For Experiment Outsource Outsource Outsource

Jig and fixture fabrication For Experiment Outsource Outsource Outsource

E. Budget

Grand
Budget Type Description Year 1 Year 2
Total

11000 - Allowance 24000 24000

GRA Master (Max GRA (MSc) RM2,000/month x 24 months x 1 GRA 48000

RM2,000.00/person
for 2 years)

Sub-Total 24000 24000 48000

GRA Ph.D (Max

RM2,500.00/person 0
for 3 years)

Sub-Total 0 0 0

Vot-Total 24000 24000 48000

Recommended Sub-Total:RM48000

21000 - Travelling and 2000 2000

Transportation 4000
Presenting paper at two (2) international conference
Local

Sub-Total 2000 2000 4000

Overseas Presenting paper at one (1) international conference 6000 6000

Sub-Total 0 6000 6000

Field work Travelling for Group Research Meeting 500 500 1000

Sub-Total 500 500 1000

Vot-Total 2500 8500 11000

Recommended Sub-Total:RM11000

Instatex language program to rephrase technical manuscript 2000 2000

24000 - Rental 4000
and paper instate…

Vot-Total 2000 2000 4000

Recommended Sub-Total:RM4000

27000 - Research Materials Mild Steel sheet, 500mmx500mm, 0.7mm thickness x 12000
12000
and Supplies 30pieces harga m…

6373
strain gauge tension measure x 30pieces 6373
harga s…

Vot-Total 18373 0 18373

Recommended Sub-Total:RM18373

28000 - Maintenance and

0
Minor Repair Services

Vot-Total 0 0 0

Recommended Sub-Total:RM0
29000 - Professional 1042
Services 1042
Proofreading services x 2
Services/Consultancy

Conference fees (local) 2000 2000 4000

Conference fees (overseas) 2000 2000

Sub-Total 2000 5042 7042

Advance Courses on Writing User Subroutines with Abaqus 3350

Training 1) Workshop includes main lecturer, training license,
Short term course training materials and certificate 2) Training will be conducted 3350
online via Microsoft Teams 3) Cost of the workshop is RM3200
plus with 6% SST (RM192)

Sub-Total 0 3350 3350

Journal Page 4000

Charges (WoS / Journal Publishing Fee (WOS) RM4000 X 1 Journal Publication
4000
SCOPUS / ERA / fee = RM3000
MyCITE)

Journal Publishing Fee (Scopus) RM2500 X 2 Journal 2000

2000
Publication fee = RM2500

Sub-Total 0 6000 6000

Vot-Total 2000 14392 16392

Recommended Sub-Total:RM16392

35000 - Accessories and

0
Equipment

Vot-Total 0 0 0

Recommended Sub-Total:RM0

(100.00%)
Grand Total 48873 48892
97765
F(i). Patent Search (describe how your research output shall produce an innovative idea or technology
that has the potential to be a solution for stakeholders (community, industry, government etc.) and
offers a unique proposition)
To identify if the researcher is able to coherently present a compelling argument for his/her proposal in light of the IP landscape and
factors identified in the (Yes/No) Section. The answer would reflect an understanding of the applicant's research advantage and
limitations and the prospect of moving the completed research beyond this stage of funding.
The proposed patent search using the chosen keyword resulting in the total number of patents published is 150 documents. The
keywords selected are closely related to the buckling of stiffened steel spherical shells. Patents issued over the past 10 years are in
an upward trend. The highest patent filing year is 2017 with a total of 14 documents. Most of the published patent focus on the best
practices or methods for obtaining better solder joint connection. This shows that the research outcomes have promising potential and
are being pursued by existing stakeholders. No similar ideas have emerged from Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia.
Limited presence reflects future potentials and possible novelty, with products from this research to be commercialized.
Simplified Patent Search Report (MyGRANTS) 2023.pdf

F(ii). Research Collaborator

Industrial Linkages (Please identify any industry or end-user group involved in the project, and describe its role/contribution to the
project)

Quadrant 2 Technologies Sdn. Bhd. is interested in carrying out consultancy work with UiTM, especially on the improvement of
buckling capacity of thin stiffened steel spherical shells. The information, expertise, and conclusions from this study are intended
to provide insight into the field of design or failure examination/testing of pressure vessels/tanks, submersible structures, vacuum
vessels (in the chemical industry), aerospace, and civilian applications. This is essential to ensure the mechanical connection of
Quadrant 2 Technologies Sdn. Bhd. product, servicing, repair, monitoring and maintenance workable during the warranty period.
The finding of this research will further acknowledge the reliability of the Quadrant 2 Technologies Sdn. Bhd. products, servicing,
repair, monitoring and maintenance by implementing the finite element analysis (FEA) to predict the failure of the thin stiffened
steel spherical shells. The Quadrant 2 Technologies Sdn. Bhd. will provide the real time buckling data of the thin stiffened steel
spherical shells to verified with the numerical analysis.

L151-202303091_FRGS UiTM Johor.pdf

Agency/Organisation (Please identify all agencies/organisations collaborating in the project, and describe their role/contribution to
the project)

F(iii). Risk Assessment (Please describe factors that may cause delays in, or prevent implementation of,
the project as proposed above; estimate also the degree of risk)
Please consider an appropriate approach to working in the current conditions (pandemic, travel ban, social distancing etc.)
The strength of this research is that it does require machines and/or equipment to produce actual data and compared to numerical
method as based research. The tool needed is a computer for simulation and few other machines for experiment.

The drawback of this project is that it requires specific machine and material to perform the experiment in order to test the sample
under external pressure. However, this drawbacks can be solve by design and custom-made the apparatus. If one of the machine or
material is not available, the project is difficult to conduct since all the study require experimental data for validation purpose.

The opportunity from this project are intended to provide new theory to predict the buckling load of stiffened steel spherical shell. The
new information, expertise, and conclusions from this study are intended to provide insight into the field of design or failure
examination/testing of pressure vessels/tanks, submersible structures, vacuum vessels (in the chemical industry), aerospace, and
civilian applications.

The biggest threat of this project is the material and experimental related machine. Since the experimental data is necessary for
validation purpose. Missing one of the experimental related machine or material, the research may be pending. Additionally, one of the
minor threats is from the computer itself because the simulation requires high computer performances since it required multiple cores
and the same time to run the compiled subroutine.

Risk Low Medium High

1. Technical

2. Timing

3. Budget
G. Declaration
All details provided in this application are accurate. KPT has the right to reject or to cancel the offer without prior notice if there is
any inaccurate information given.
This proposal is not currently considered for any other research grant(s).
The exact proposed work has not been funded through other research grant(s).
Necessary approvals from relevant bodies (i.e.: Ethics Committee) are granted before related research activities commence.
I have an on-going Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) project.
This proposed research is my original work, is not copied from my MSc. or Ph.D. thesis or any other work (published or
unpublished), and has not been submitted for grant application either at KPT or elsewhere.

Name: Azizul Hakim Bin Samsudin Signature:

Date: 09/03/2023

Approved By: Signature:

RMC
Date:

G. Recommendation by Vice Chancellor/Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation)/Director of

Research Management Center
Please tick

Recommended

A. Highly Recommended
B. Recommended
C. Not Recommended

Comments:
Mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Penyelidikan (JPP) Khas Bil 1/2023 bertarikh 13 April 2023, Pusat Pengurusan Penyelidikan
(RMC), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) memperakui pengesyoran panel penilai IPT yang dilantik dan menyokong sepenuhnya
permohonan ini untuk dimajukan ke KPT.

Name: Professor Dr. Nor Azura Md Ghani @ Mamat Signature:

Date: 14/04/2023
Appendix
Flow Chart FIGURE 1.pdf