A general linear theory of laminated composite shells featuring interlaminar bonding imperfections

This paper is devoted to the foundation of a general linear theory of lamin ated composite anisotropic shells of arbitrary shape and curvature, in whic h the effect of the interfacial damage induced by the imperfect bonding bet ween the constituent laminae is incorporated. In this context, the imperfec t interface conditions are described in terms of linear relations between t he interface tractions in the normal and tangential directions, and the res pective displacement jumps. In addition to the effects of imperfectly bonde d interfaces, the theory incorporates the effects of transverse shear and t ransverse normal strain, the dynamic effects, as well as the anisotropy of constituent material layers. Due to its general character, this theory can contribute to a more reliable prediction in the linear range of the load ca rrying capacitiy and failure of laminated composite shell structures featur ing imperfectly bonded interfaces. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All right s reserved.