Comparative dynamic and static studies for cross-ply shells based on a deep thick shell theory

Abstract

Exact solutions for free vibration and static deflection of cross-ply laminated cylindrical panels and circular cylindrical shells are obtained using deep first order shell theory. The state space approach has been used to generate the exact solutions for different sets of boundary conditions. Comparison between the results has been made using the deep first order shell theory and the less accurate one, where the 1 + z/ R terms have been approximated by unity. The effects of various parameters including shear deformation, shallowness of the shell, orthotropicity ratio, lamination scheme and boundary condition on shell frequencies and centre deflections are studied. The fundamental frequencies of the deep shell theory are compared with 3D theory of elasticity available in the literature.