On the Semi-analytical Modelling of the Free-Edge Stress Field in Cross-Ply Laminated Shells Under Mechanical Loads

This contribution provides a semi-analytical model for the assessment of the three-dimensional stress field in thick, cylindrically curved cross-ply laminated shells subjected to different kinds of mechanical loadings under consideration of the free-edge effect. The model superimposes a closed-form analytical solution with a layerwise approach and the governing equations as well as the boundary conditions are derived by means of the minimum total potential energy principle utilizing the general Euler-Lagrange equations. Numerical results for thick cross-ply laminated shells undergoing uniform edge loadings and sinusoidal outer pressure are presented and the accuracy is verified by comparisons with full-scale, three-dimensional finite element computations. Those reveal an excellent agreement between the highly efficient semi-analytical model and the finite element approach for the free-edge stress fields in cross-ply laminated shells.