Finite element method using axisymmetric shell element is applied to the buckling of torispheical shells under internal pressure. The linear buckling and plastic bifurcation buckling analyses are performed on the specimens tested by Galletly and Patel & Gill. The results are compared with the calculated results by program BOSOR5 and the experimental results. The differnce in the buckling predictions of the deformation, modified flow and flow theories of plasticity is investigated.
