Optimal orientation of reinforcing fibers in a shell made of fibrous composites

Maximization of stability resistance of composite shells with respect to fibers orientation is described. Shells are made of fibrous composite and optimum orientation of fibers reinforcing the composite is searched for. The author's computer program is utilized in the analysis. The intensity of one parametric loading corresponding to primary critical point is obtained as a result of fully geometrically nonlinear analysis. Only elastic effects are taken into account, but as far as displacements are concerned they can be arbitrary. As an example the segment of a cylindrical shell loaded laterally to its surface is considered.