Benchmark elasticity solution for locally loaded laminated orthotropic cylindrical shells

Three-dimensional elasticity solutions for plate/shell structures serve as a standard benchmark for the assessment of various two-dimensional theories. Such a solution, for assessment of laminated shell theories, is presented here. The problem is that of a simply supported cross-ply cylindrical shell pinched by two diametrically opposite local patch loads. The solution is developed by using Taylor series, and results are tabulated for a three-layer shell with various radius-to-thickness ratios. Finally, these results are used to throw light on the accuracy of the classical Love-Kirchhoff hypothesis and a recently proposed higher order shear deformation theory. © 1994 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc., All rights reserved.