Abstract:Upper three layers load values of the horizontal and vertical beams were based on the proportional distribution of bearing surface area from scaled model of optimal dome greenhouse, which were stage-by-step static simulated in ANSYS software and compared with snow-loaded simulated strain test. The results showed that micro-strain was linearly related to the loading mass, correlation coefficients in tests was in the range of 0.9932～0.9999 and in simulation was in the range of 0.9948～1, relative errors of micro-strain between simulation and test were in the range of 1.840%～8.386%, which indicated that the simulation method was reliable. Static simulations on one 1ayer with the mesh size of 10mm,12mm, 16mm, 18mm and 20mm were carried out, the results showed when radius was 0.24m, most appropriate mesh size was 16～18mm. In ANSYS, 12 schemes of 6m greenhouse were analyzed step by step through primary selection, linear buckling and mechanical verification (stiffness, strength and stability) by using the same simulation loading calculation method, and optimal scheme was obtained, that was four layers, the first layer had eight beams and mixed bifurcation structure. Buckling simulations on optimal structure of dome greenhouse with radius of 12m and 18m was carried out, which obtained the first-order initial modal defects were obvious under horizontal loads, and under vertical and horizontal loads, non-linear buckling loads were 0.37 and 0.57 times of linear buckling loads on average, which was necessary to carry out nonlinear buckling analysis for long-span dome greenhouse in order to ensure sufficient structural stability. Mechanical verifications were all qualified, stability values of 6m, 12m and 18m greenhouses under combination 2 are 1.89, 2.26 and 2.33 times of that under combination 1, respectively，and there was little difference in strength under two combinations. Compared with 1152m2 Venlo multi-span glass greenhouse, steel consumptions per unit volume of three size greenhouses can be saved by 40.11%～59.34%.
