Stability of Heterogeneous Aeolotropic Cylindrical Shells Under Combined Loading

A theoretical analysis of the buckling problems of heterogeneous aeolotropic cylindrical shells under combined axial, radial, and torsional loads is presented. Four boundary conditions at each end of the cylinder are satisfied for the case of both ends hinged or that of both ends clamped. Classical thin shell theory of small deflection is followed. Because only six elastic coefficients are required out of the usual 21 for a general aeolotropic body, it is possible to solve Flugge's differential equations of equilibrium by assuming suitable functions for the displacements of the middle surface. By the superposition of these solutions, a general solution that satisfies the boundary conditions can be reached. If the thin shell is laminated from layers of different materials, the resultant forces and moments of an element are integrated from layer to layer by considering that the six elastic coefficients are piecewise continuous. Orthotropic and isotropic materials are particular cases of this analysis.