Multilayered shell theories accounting for layerwise mixed description, part 2: Numerical evaluations

The mixed layerwise shell theories that are presented in the companion arti cle (E. Carrera, "Multilayered Shell Theories Accounting for Layerwise Mixe d Description, Part 1: Governing Equations" AIAA Journal, Vol. 37, No, 9, 1 999, pp, 1107-1116) are evaluated here by solving several problems related to orthotropic cross-ply laminated, circular, cylindrical, and spherical sh ells subjected to static loadings for which closed-form solutions are given . Particular cases related to layerwise and equivalent single-layer models, based on classical displacement formulations, are evaluated for comparison purpose. A further comparison with three-dimensional elasticity exact solu tions and to other higher-order shear deformations studies have been made. Results are given in the form of tables and diagrams. Approximations introd uced by Donnell's shallow shell theories are evaluated for most of the prob lems. It has been concluded that the proposed mixed layerwise theories lead s to a better description than the related analyses, which are based on dis placement formulations, An excellent agreement, with respect to the exact s olution, has been found for displacement and transverse stress components. These stresses have been herein calculated a priori, The Importance of an a dequate description of curvature terms related to the shell thickness to ra dii ratio h/R is also underlined. These effects have been contrasted by ext ensive use of fictitious interfaces in the conduced layerwise investigation s.