Method of initial functions for thick transversely isotropic shells

Abstract

In the present work for circular cylindrical shells, three-dimensional elasticity equations are solved by assuming Taylor series expansions, in the radial direction, for the stresses and displacements. Depending upon the number of terms retained in the expansion, different order shell theories are derived. Classical theories (referred to as eighth-order), the shear deformation-transverse normal stress theories (referred to as tenth-order), and higher order theories (referred to as twelfth-order) are derived. In each case, by carrying out the symbolic algebra using the digital computer, partial differential equations are derived. The procedure was carried out in detail for the case of a circular cylindrical shell with no loading on the interior surface and a given pressure distribution on the exterior surface. Then, numerical comparisons are made between the current theories and various shell theories, as well as the exact (three-dimensional) theory. Thus, using this method with its associated computer programs, one can realize a spectrum of approximate shell theories ranging from the classical thin shell, through all current thick shell theories, and approaching the three-dimensional elastic theories.