Linear Bending Theory of Laminated Cylindrical Shells Under Axisymmetric Load

Abstract

The linear bending theory of laminated elastic cylindrical shells under axisymmetric loading is developed from first principles. It is shown that a spontaneous “beam-column” type of deformation may develop even in the absence of end loads. Generally, however, this effect is shown to be small for metallic cylinders, in which case the laminated shell deforms in the same manner as a homogeneous shell, where the effective flexural rigidity and effective extensional rigidity are both shown to have a simple dependence upon the “elasticity distribution” throughout the wall thickness. The influence of edge loads on a pressurized semi-infinite shell are determined and applied to find the stresses in a titanium shell with a steel reinforcing band.