An Integrated Variable-Curvature Laminated Composite Analysis Module for Impact Loading and Excessive Hygrothermal Effects 940619

The composite laminated shell structures such as tubes, pipes, cylinders, spherical, conical and variable curvature parts can be seen in many advanced engineering applications. Among them, many are exposed to liquids, vapor, and high and low temperature gradients and subjected to various external loads. Therefore it is important to analyze and study performance of these shell components under such environmental and loading conditions with a more diverse analytical tool. In this study a integrated computer module based on the FEM is developed for the analysis and design of laminated composite shells with variable curvatures. The laminates can be made of general shells of revolution and can subjected to uniform or axisymmetric line-impact loadings, or uniform or linearly varying ring-impact loadings. The hygroscopic and thermal expansions as well as material degradation due to moisture absorption and heat are included into this integrated computer module.