A generalized mixed theory for bending analysis of axisymmetric shear defor
mable laminated circular cylindrical shells is presented. The classical, fi
rst-order and higher-order shell theories have been used in the analysis. T
he Maupertuis-Lagrange (M-L) mixed variational formula is utilized to formu
late the governing equations of circular cylindrical shells laminated by or
thotropic layers. Analytical solutions are presented for symmetric and anti
symmetric laminated circular cylindrical shells under sinusoidal loads and
subjected to arbitrary boundary conditions. Numerical results of the higher
-order theory for deflections and stresses of cross-ply laminated circular
cylindrical shells are compared with those obtained by means of the classic
al and first-order shell theories. The effects, due to shear deformation, l
amination schemes, loadings ratio, boundary conditions and orthotropy ratio
on the deflections and stresses are investigated.