Parametric modeling of six typical reticulated dome

Based on the structure features of reticulated domes, a method for node generation and element connection of six typical reticulated domes is established in spherical coordinate system. A macro program is designed by using ANSYS Parametric Design Language (APDL). This six typical reticulated dome modeling are realized under given parameters such as span, rise high, grid number in circular and radial direction. It is proved by several examples that this method is simple, efficient and possible. It can be easily used to analysis the internal force and optimize design in shell structures.