Layerwise generalized formulation solved <i>via</i> boundary discontinuous method for multilayered structures. Part 2: Shells

Abstract This article introduces a unique analytical solution with a layerwise approach for cross-ply laminated composite cylindrical and doubly curved panels with clamped boundary conditions at all four edges. Under a layerwise (LW) description, from lower- to higher-order models based on the Carrera unified formulation are built with Legendre polynomials. The strong-form governing equations are obtained by employing the principle of virtual displacements displacement-based statement. The boundary discontinuous Fourier-based method is employed to yield purely analytical solutions. The high accuracy and efficiency of our proposed methodology are evaluated by comparing the results against those from the 3D finite element method and the literature for various side-to-thickness and radius-to-depth ratios. As a conclusion, the numerical results presented can be used as a benchmark for future comparative analyses and finite elements.