On the physical meaning of the dynamical equations governing geometrically-exact multilayer shells (Q817304)

The physical meaning of equations governing geometrically exact multilayer shells is provided through a totally new derivation by means of dynamic equilibrium consideration, starting from a three-dimensional continuum. It is opposed to the use of the principle of virtual power. The theory is valid for large deformation and large overall motion, typical of geometrically exact formulations. The dynamic equilibrium derivation offers a clear physical insight into the meaning of the terms in the equations of motion. The balance of angular momentum is obtained directly in true resultant couples, without the need to use a constitutive restriction. The authors also obtain new expressions for inertia operators. An analytical justification of the inertia operators is provided. The present formulation is independent of any kinematic assumption along the shell director, and is valid for shells with variable-length director (e.g., for the modeling of through-the-thickness deformations) under higher-order kinematic assumptions.