Variable-kinematics approach for linearized buckling analysis of laminated plates and shells

This work deals with the linearized buckling analysis of laminated plates and shells. A variable-kinematics approach with hierarchical capabilities is considered to establish the accuracy of a large variety of classical and advanced plate/shell theories in order to evaluate buckling loads. So-called equivalent-single-layer as well as layerwise-variable descriptions are implemented. Interlaminar continuity of transverse shear and normal stresses are a priori fulfilled by referring to Reissner's mixed variational theorem. Stability equations are derived in compact form by referring to Carrera's unified formulation for the most general case of doubly curved shells. The eigenvalue problem is solved in the case of closed-form solutions related to simply supported boundary conditions and axially loaded multilayered plates/shells made of orthotropic layers. The casesofaxial constant strains and constant stresses are considered and compared to available three-dimensional and two-dimensional results. Results related to Love and Donnell approximations are implemented for comparison purposes. The accuracy of various approximations is established for significant multilayered plate and shell problems.