Equations of Elastic Deformation of Laminated Composite Shallow Shells

Abstract

Shallow shells of laminated composite materials are being increasingly used in structural applications. A complete and consistent theory is needed to deal with elastic deformation problems (i.e., static deflections and stresses, free and forced vibrations). The present work develops equations of motion, which may be solved either exactly or by an approximate method (e.g., Galerkin, finite differences) and energy functionals which may be used with the Ritz or finite element methods to obtain approximate solutions. The equations are developed in terms of arbitrarily-oriented (i.e., nonprincipal) shell coordinates, including twist as well as radii of curvature. The equations account for arbitrary layer thicknesses, fiber orientations, and stacking sequences. Shear deformation and rotary inertia effects are neglected.