This major international scientific project brings together 17 countries, including China and the UK, and is dedicated to frontier research, including determining the neutrino mass hierarchy. The central detector is the core facility of JUNO, featuring a composite spherical shell structure made of acrylic and stainless steel. Key structural considerations included the strength and stability of the acrylic sphere, seismic analysis considering fluid-structure interaction in a deep underground environment, and structural safety during liquid filling.
This extraordinary facility demonstrates the vital role of structural engineering in enabling world-leading scientific research. Located 70m underground, the project required the design of a highly complex acrylic and stainless-steel composite sphere subject to demanding operational, seismic and construction requirements. By solving unprecedented technical challenges in a high-consequence environment and demonstrating exceptional collaboration between engineers, scientists and international partners the project advances both scientific knowledge and structural engineering practice.