A Survey of Development on the Analysis Methods and the Theories of Shells

Shells are the most widely used structural elements forming roofs of buildings and other structures for supporting loads to its surface. There are many types of shell forms that can be made and practical. The most common shell form is a cylindrical shell. In general, it can be said that the shell is a curved surface whose thickness is insignificant compared to its radius and other dimensions. There are various theories for the analysis of shell structures. How to apply each of these theories depends on the geometric shape, shell material, shell application and boundary conditions as well as applied loads. Researchers have searched for information about the analysis methods of shell structures using various methods. Some used experimental methods for shell structures while others used analytical methods. This is an evaluation of these methods. In this paper we will research some historical aspects of development of the theory of shells as well as their recent developments. A survey and introducing of the books and articles of methods of shells analysis have been discussed in this article.