I have done a comparison by applying the hydrostatic pressure on the middle and top of the shell curve surface (Section Assignment: Shell offset = Middle or Top surface in Abaqus). In the case of the middle surface minimum deflection is 6.115 mm, but in the case of the top surface, the minimum deflection is 12.18 mm. The curve plate is simply supported from three sides.
I have attached images of the results.
Could anybody tell me, which one is correct and why?
Thank you very much