Internal pressure loading of segmented-stiffness composite cylinders

The paper examines the displacement response of round cylinders constructed in such a fashion that the crown and keel are made of one pseudo-isotropic laminate and the sides are made of another pseudo-isotropic laminate. The terminology segmented-stiffness is given to this construction. Considered is the displacement response to internal pressure but with the restraint that the overall axial displacement is zero. Infinite-length and finite-length cylinders are studied, the former for pedagogical reasons. The distinguishing characteristic of this construction and loading is the presence of circumferential displacement. For the finite-length case, in addition to the existence of a circumferential displacement, the radial displacement varies with circumferential location. The primary parameter responsible for these features is the mismatch in the effective extensional moduli of the segments. The mismatch in Poissonʹs ratios and inplane shear moduli have much less influence on the problem. © 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.