Comprehensive sensitivity analysis of rotational stability of a super-deep underground spherical structure considering uncertainty

Abstract

Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory central detector is located 700 m below the ground and also submerged into an ultrapure water pool. The main structure of the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory central detector is a hybrid spherical shell that is vulnerable to rotation under the buoyancy effect. The influences of the model parameters on the rotational stability of this complex and unique structure are investigated. Since the model parameters are inevitably subjected to many sources of uncertainties (e.g. manufacturing tolerances and geometrical imperfections), the parameter uncertainty is taken into account. In addition, linear and nonlinear rotational stabilities of this super-deep underground spherical structure are also under consideration. Specifically, the critical loading multiplier is used as the evaluation indicator of linear rotational stability and the load proportionality factor-θ curve is considered as the evaluation indicator of nonlinear rotational stability. The sensitivity of linear and nonlinear rotational stabilities to uncertain parameters is systematically studied in terms of univariate and multivariate global sensitivity analyses. The univariate global sensitivity analysis is able to evaluate the effects of uncertain parameters on each evaluation indicator, whereas multivariate global sensitivity analysis enables to assess the global influence of uncertain parameters on all evaluation indicators. A polynomial chaos expansion surrogate model is utilized to replace the time-consuming simulation model for analytical implementation of the univariate and multivariate global sensitivity analyses. The present polynomial chaos expansion-based univariate and multivariate global sensitivity analyses effectively and efficiently reveal the sensitivity of the rotational stability of this super-deep underground spherical structure to uncertain parameters, and provide a practical method for comprehensive sensitivity analysis of similar structures.