7. Conclusion
In the present analysis, first approximation shell theories are derived by use of the method of asymptotic integration of the exact three-dimensional elasticity equations for a non-homogeneous anisotropic circular cylindrical shell. The analysis is valid for materials which are non-homogeneous to the extent that their properties are allowed to vary with the thickness coordinate (r). The first approximation theory derived in this analysis represent the simplest possible shell theories for the corresponding length scales considered. Although twenty-one elastic coefficients are present in the original formulation of the problem, only six are appear in the first approximation theories. It was seen that use of the asymptotic method employed in the research also yields expressions for all stress components, including the transverse ones. Unlike the pure membrane theory of isotropic materials, secondary bending moments can be computed in association of material characteristics of lamination. The fact that these expressions can be determined is very useful when discussing the possible failure of composite shells and also for the discrepancy between theoretical membrane theory and experimental results. For design of space shuttles and other vehicles, a shell structure must be carefully designed for all possible loading conditions, extremely high negative and positive pressure and temperature, which demands further accurate shell theories. In case the membrane theory seems to be justified, the effect of all possible secondary bending moments must carefully be examined as shown in the Eq. (37) through (41) of this analysis. It is more realistic for shells of hybrid anisotropic materials of high strength.