ON THE EFFECT OF FIBER DIRECTIONS IN LAMINATED COMPOSITE TORISPHERICAL SHELLS

A linear and geometrically non-linear computation of a laminated compo site torispherical shell subjected to internal pressure was performed by using the layered finite element whose formulation is based on dege neration principle. Geometric non-linearity in terms of large deformat ions with total Lagrangian formulation was taken into account. The eff ect of the lamination schemes on geometric non-linear behaviour and st ress resultant distributions was analysed. The fibre directions have n ot a great influence on the shape of the load-displacement curves. In contrast to the hoop stress resultant distribution, the moment distrib ution is significantly influenced by the lamination schemes. The influ ence of the lamination schemes on bending moments is greater in non-li near than in linear computations. Likewise, the effect of the fibre or ientation is greater on the hoop than on the meridional moment distrib ution. In unsymmetric laminated shells the values of the hoop moments exceed those of the meridional moments which is a considerable differe nce from metallic isotropic shells.