Reissner’s New Mixed Variational Principle Applied to Laminated Cylindrical Shells

Abstract

Reissner’s new mixed variational theorem, which allows independent interpolation, through the thickness, of the three transverse stresses besides that of the three displacements, is applied here to derive a higher-order theory of laminated orthotropic cylindrical shells. The accuracy of the theory is verified by comparison with three-dimensional elasticity solutions. It is shown that Reissner’s principle does not directly lead to accurate transverse shear stress predictions, but requires the use of the equilibrium equations of three-dimensional elasticity as is common in the conventional displacement approach.