STATIC ANALYSIS OF LAMINATED SHELLS USING A REFINED SHEAR DEFORMATION-THEORY

In this paper the refinement of a previously published discrete-layer shear deformation laminated shell theory by the assumption that the tr ansverse shear strains across any two layers are linearly dependent on each other is briefly described. The theory contains the same depende nt variables as first-order shear deformation theory, but the set of g overning differential equations is of the twelfth order. No shear corr ection factors are required. Solutions for a complete cylindrical shel l and two shallow shells are obtained. The numerical results are compa red with classical lamination theory, first-order shear deformation th eory and two higher-order shear deformation theory solutions.