Free-edge effect in cross-ply laminated hollow cylinders subjected to axisymmetric transverse loads

On the basis of the theory of three-dimensional elasticity, free-edge stresses and displacements of axisymmetrically loaded laminated hollow cylinders are found by using the state space equation method. The study assumes three-dimensional variations of both stresses and displacements and takes into account material constants of all individual material layers. By this approach, composite cylinders may be composed of an arbitrary number of orthotropic layers, each of which may have different material properties and thicknesses. The solution provides a continuous inter-laminar stress field across interfaces and a satisfactory approximation to the singularity occurring in the boundary layer region of a free-edge. Numerical solutions are compared with the results obtained from an alternative numerical method. New results are obtained and parametric studies are carried out.