LAUSR

Abstract In this article, higher-order closed-form solutions are obtained for static bending and free vibration analysis of laminated composite and sandwich spherical shells using a generalized higher-order shell theory. A theory is independent of the choice of shearing stress function (polynomial/non-polynomial) which eventually results in a theoretical unification of most of the classical and higher-order shear deformation theories. The present theory yields an accurate distribution of transverse shear stresses through the shell thickness; therefore, it does not require problem dependent shear correction factor. Governing equations and associated boundary conditions of the theory are derived by employing Hamilton’s principle. Navier type higher-order closed-form solutions are obtained for simply supported boundary conditions. Displacements, stresses and natural frequencies are presented for laminated composite and sandwich plates as well as shallow and deep spherical shells. The results of parabolic, trigonometric, hyperbolic, and exponential models are compared with each other and previously published results to verify the accuracy and efficiency of the present generalized shell theory.