Abstract
A theoretical approach is presented to examine the problem of the fluid loading of a simply supported Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) composite cylindrical pipe. The shell layup is composed of specially orthotropic layers, the arrangement of which may be nonsymmetrical through the wall thickness. The theory is developed using Sanders’ thin shell theory, neglecting the effect of transverse shear. An example of the use of the method is given, where the behavior of a horizontal pipe is examined when it is partially or totally filled with fluid. Three layups are examined, one of an isotropic construction using chopped strand mat (CSM) and two of a laminated construction.
