Evolution of the Theory of Laminated Plates and Shells

The theory of laminated plates and shells is considered. Three-dimensional models of layered systems and methods of reducing them to two-dimensional models are elucidated. An analysis is made of how two-dimensional models are constructed by the method of hypotheses. Two basic approaches to the construction are presented: one leads to the discrete structural theory of laminated systems and the other to continuous structural theory. Attention is drawn to transverse shear and reduction in nonclassical theories of high approximation. The finite-element implementation of the theory is described. Examples of analysis by various models are given. Results of an applicability analysis of various theories and experimental data supporting them are presented. New research areas for the theory of laminated structures are pointed out.