An exact solution of free harmonic wave propagation in a composite lam
inated cylindrical shell is presented within the framework of the theo
ry of three-dimensional cylindrically anisotropic elasticity. The disp
ersion equation governing these motions is established through a helic
al solution form in conjunction with a Frobenius power series method.
Degenerate cases of infinite wavelength, axisymmetric waves, and of or
thotropic shells are derived and discussed. Analytical results are pre
sented for a variety of cases and are compared with those obtained fro
m a Flugge shell theory. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights res
erved.