Stresses in Circular Cylindrical Shells of Composite Materials Subjected to Localized Loads

Abstract : Methods of analysis are developed to provide the stresses (both bending and membrane) and deformations in specially orthotropic circular cylindrical shells subjected to localized loads. An accurate shell theory is employed which includes the effects of orthotropy and transverse shear deformation. The governing differential equations are obtained, and are transformed into a set of algebraic equations through expanding all displacements, rotations, and the localized loading in a doubly infinite series in the shell coordinates. A computer program is formulated, and included, to perform numerical calculations easily using the analytic solutions. Comparisons and design curves are made for large variations in orthotropy which cover all known composite materials. Various sizes and shapes of localized loadings are systematically explored and reported. The various curves and tables presented can be used directly in design through interpolation. The computer program is included to permit the handling of any additional cases. (Author-PL)