A higher-order shear deformation theory of laminated elastic shells

A higher-order shear deformation theory of elastic shells is developed for shells laminated of orthotropic layers. The theory is a modification of the Sanders' theory and accounts for parabolic distribution of the transverse shear strains through thickness of the shell and tangential stress-free boundary conditions on the boundary surfaces of the shell. The Navier-type exact solutions for bending and natural vibration are presented for cylindrical and spherical shells under simply supported boundary conditions.