Discrete-layer models for multilayered shells accounting for interlayer continuity (Q1331486)

The paper is based on a discrete-layer approach which has been developed by the first author and concerned the equations governing the elastodynamic behaviour of moderately thick multilayered anisotropic plates. By assuming a displacement field which allows a nonlinear variation of the in-plane displacements through the laminate thickness, the geometric and stress continuity conditions at the interfaces between two adjacent layeres are fulfilled a priori. In the present paper the authors extend this approach to the laminated composite anisotropic shells. The paper contains: the equations of motion and related boundary conditions of multilayered anisotropic shells derived by using the dynamical version of the principle of virtual work based on the assumed piecewise cubic displacement field; some results on bending under sinusoidal transverse loading, undamped frequencies for symmetrically laminated cross-ply rectangular and square plates simply supported on all edges to show accuracy of the proposed model; a comparison with results from three-dimensional elasticity and other approximate two-dimensional models. The following conclusions have been drawn: the proposed approach preserves all the advantages of the high-order shear deformation theory and gives very accurate results also for low plate thickness ratio and relative high values of the elastic moduli, and does not require any arbitrary shear correction factor. The fulfilment of the transverse shearing stresses continuity conditions on the interfaces improves not only the prediction of the thickness distribution of the transverse shearing stresses, but also the prediction of the thickness distributions of the in-plane response (in-plane displacements and stresses) and of the global response (deflection, frequencies and buckling loads).