General theory of micropolar elastic thin shells

The paper formulates general hypotheses of micropolar elastic thin shells that are given asymptotic validation. Using these hypotheses and three-dimensional Cosserat (micropolar, asymmetric) theory of elasticity, general two-dimensional applied models of micropolar elastic thin shells with independent displacement and rotation fields, constrained rotation and low shear rigidity are constructed to suit dimensionless physical parameters of the shell material. The constructed micropolar shell models take into complete account transverse shear strain and related strain. Models of micropolar elastic thin plates and beams are particular cases of the constructed micropolar shell models. An axially symmetric stress-strain state problem of a hinged cylindrical micropolar shell is considered. Numerical analysis is used to demonstrate effective strength and rigidity characteristics of micropolar elastic shells.