Static Analysis of Laminated Composite Shells Using Higher Order deformation theory

Abstract This paper employs the Higher-Order Shear and Normal Deformation Theory (HOSNDT) to a static analysis of spherical composite shells. By using a third-order parabolic variation of shear strains to account for transverse shear deformation effects, the theory does away with the necessity for shear correction factors and precisely captures deformation of the shell along the thickness. The concept of virtual work is used to systematically develop the governing equilibrium equations and associated boundary conditions. Under static transverse loads, the mathematical model is solved using Navier’s analytical method, which works well for simply supported doubly curved laminated shells. The solution provides non-dimensional displacements and stress components that allow for direct comparison with benchmark solutions. The validity and applicability of the developed theory are confirmed by the current numerical results, which show excellent agreement with the body of existing literature.