Nonlinear Response of Laminated Cylindrical Shell Panels Subjected to Thermomechanical Loads

Abstract

The nonlinear response of multi-layered composite cylindrical shell panels subjected to thermomechanical loads are studied in this article. The structural model is based on the first order shear deformation theory incorporating geometric nonlinearities. The nonlinear equilibrium paths are traced using the arc-length control algorithm within the framework of finite element method. Hashin’s failure criterion has been adopted to predict the first-ply failure of cylindrical laminates. Both temperature independent and temperature dependent elastic properties are considered in the analysis. Specific numerical results are reported to show the effect of radius-to-span ratio, thickness-to-span ratio, laminate stacking sequence, and boundary condition on stability characteristics of laminated cylindrical shell panels subjected to combined thermal and mechanical transverse loads.