Static analysis of functionally graded doubly-curved shells and panels of revolution

The Generalized Differential Quadrature (GDQ) Method is applied to study four parameter functionally graded and laminated composite shells and panels of revolution. The mechanical model is based on the so-called First-order Shear Deformation Theory (FSDT), in particular on the Toorani-Lakis Theory. The solution is given in terms of generalized displacement components of points lying on the middle surface of the shell. The generalized strains and stress resultants are evaluated by applying the Differential Quadrature rule to the generalized displacements. The transverse shear and normal stress profiles through the thickness are reconstructed a posteriori by using local three-dimensional elasticity equilibrium equations. In order to verify the accuracy of the present method, GDQ results are compared with the ones obtained with semi-analytical formulations and with 3D finite element method. A parametric study is performed to illustrate the influence of the parameters on the mechanical behavior of functionally graded shell structures made of a mixture of ceramics and metal.