This study investigates problems associated with the design of scaled-down models for laminated cylindrical shells. For better understanding the applicability of scaled-down models in designing laminated composite structures, an analytical investigation was undertaken to assess the feasibility of their use. Such study is important because it provides the necessary scaling laws, and the factors that affect the accuracy of the scale models. In this study the limitation and acceptable interval of all parameters and corresponding scale factors are investigated. The formulation and the results deal with the case of buckling of cross-ply cylindrical shells under lateral pressure loads. Both complete and partial similarity are discussed. This analytical study indicates that distorted models with a different number of layers and geometries than those of the prototype can predict behavior of the prototype with good accuracy. However, it is shown that a scaled-down model with different material properties titan those of the prototype is incapable of predicting the response of the prototype.
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