A finite element semi-analytical model for laminated axisymmetric shells: statics, dynamics and buckling

In this paper a numerical method for the structural analysis of laminated a xisymmetric shells based on the high-order theory is presented. A higher or der displacement field is used with the longitudinal and circumferential co mponents of the displacement given by power series of the transversal coord inate and the condition of zero stress in the top and bottom surfaces of th e shell is imposed. In the element formulation the circumferential dependen ce is carried out by expanding the dependent variables and loading in trunc ated Fourier series which leads to a semianalytical element. A special emph asis is given to the coupling effect between the symmetric and anti-symmetr ic terms for laminated materials with anisotropic properties. (C) 2000 Else vier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.