A C0 finite element (FE) formulation based on higher order shear deformation theory (HSDT)
is developed for free vibration analysis of composite skew cylindrical shells. The problem of
C1 continuity associated with the HSDT has been overcome quite efficiently in the present
FE model. The curved isoparametric element used in the model consists of nine nodes with
seven nodal unknowns per node. Use of shear correction factor is avoided by assuming a
realistic parabolic variation of transverse shear strain through the shell thickness. The …

Static analysis of skew composite shells is presented by developing a C0 finite element (FE)
model based on higher order shear deformation theory (HSDT). In this theory the transverse
shear stresses are taken as zero at the shell top and bottom. A realistic parabolic variation of
transverse shear strains through the shell thickness is assumed and the use of shear
correction factor is avoided. Sander's approximations are considered to include the effect of
three curvature terms in the strain components of composite shells. The C0 finite element …