Using principal stresses to understand force flow in a dome structure (SHELL 181 element, APDL)

[SuG89]

Hello everyone,

I am trying to model a dome with glass segments joined with adhesives. Two different types of adhesives will be used - soft (E= 2 MPa, v=0.46) and stiff (E=1500 MPa, v=0.35).

Can I use the principal stress vectors to interpret how force flow is taking place in the dome structure?

First principal stress - tensile
Third principal stress - compressive
Second principal stress - read a pdf document (see attachment) which said its insignificant. Is it?

Looking forward to your advice.

Best regards,
Sushant