Analysis of Thick-Sectioned Composite Cylindrical Shells Under Hydrostatic Pressure

This article describes the mechanical behavior of thick-sectioned composite laminated shells subjected to hydrostatic pressure. The analysis is based on the theory of cylindrical anisotropic elasticity using a stress function approach. Quasi-isotropic laminated shells are used to demonstrate the influence of shell thickness, stacking sequence, and number of repeating sublaminates on thestrain and stress response. The effect of residual stress on the behavior of the shells is also examined.