The analysis of interlaminar stresses for composite laminated shallow shells with interfacial damage

Based on the general six-degrees-of-freedom plate theory towards the accurate stress analysis and nonlinear theory of shallow shells, considering the damage effect of the interlaminar interface and using the variation principle, the three-dimensional non-linear equilibrium differential equations of the laminated shallow shells with interfacial damage are derived. Then, considering a simply supported laminated shallow shell with damage and under normal load, an analytical solution is presented by using finite difference method to obtain the interlaminar stresses. Numerical results show, the stiffness of the shell is weakened, greater absolute values of displacements as well as smaller interlaminar stresses are obtained by interfacial damage. When the interfacial damage is further increased, delamination occurs obviously under normal pulling load and pure shear slip occurs under normal pressure load. The portion of the load undertaken by the two sides of the interface is more different. Different mechanical behaviors are shown in both sides of the interface, and the discontinuation of stresses and displacements takes place in the interface. © 2011 The Chinese Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics.