Static Analysis of Laminated Shells Using a Refined Shear Deformation Theory

In this paper the refinement of a previously published discrete-layer shear deformation laminated shell theory by the assumption that the transverse shear strains across any two layers are linearly dependent on each other is briefly described. The theory contains the same dependent variables as first-order shear deformation theory, but the set of governing differential equations is of the twelfth order. No shear correction factors are required. Solutions for a complete cylindrical shell and two shallow shells are obtained. The numerical results are compared with classical lamination theory, first-order shear deformation theory and two higher-order shear deformation theory solutions.