A modified higher-order zigzag theory for predicting flexural behavior of laminated composite and sandwich shell.

A modified higher-order zigzag theory (HOZT) is proposed for static analysis of laminated composites/sandwich shells, which accounts for transverse shear and normal strain. In-plane displacement fields are assumed to vary as a combination of globally cubic and locally zigzag linearly varying fields in this model. The transverse displacement field varies quadratically. The extended thickness criteria is utilized in this formulation. The inter-laminar shear stress continuity requirement at the interface, and zero transverse shear stress condition at the free surfaces are fulfilled. The accuracy of the model is proved by comparison with the 3D-elasticity solution and other relevant literature results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]