Influence of Core Compressibility, Flexibility and Transverse Shear Effects on the Response of Sandwich Structures

Abstract

This paper examines the adequacy of first order shear deformation theory (FSDT) based layered shell finite element by comparing with 2D and 3D models without imposing any constraint on the deformation behaviour of core. The effect of core compressibility and transverse flexibility in the behaviour of sandwich beams are studied. Plane and 3D models are able to capture the higher order shear stress variation across the thickness of core, whereas classical models and layered models results in constant shear stress across the thickness of the core. Results of the finite element models indicate the necessity of shear correction factor for rigid core considering shear strain energy criteria or average shear strain criteria, whereas for soft core, the shear correction factor is unity (=1).