Novel higher-order zigzag theory for analysis of laminated sandwich beams

Abstract

In the present work, a new higher-order zigzag theory is proposed for the analysis of laminated sandwich beams under static and free vibration conditions. Fourth-order in-plane and transverse displacement fields are chosen along with linear unit Heaviside step function. The present theory satisfies interlaminar transverse stress continuity conditions along with zero value at the top and bottom surface for transverse shear stresses. The proposed approach is also free from any kind of C-1 or penalty requirements. A three-noded one-dimensional finite element having eight degrees of freedom per node is used during analysis. The efficiency of the proposed model is carried out by comparing the present results with those available based on elasticity solutions and zigzag theories in the literature. New results are also reported in the present work, which will serve as a benchmark for future studies. The influence of boundary condition on the nature of stress distribution across the length of beam and frequencies of the beam with different end conditions is also carried out. A comparative study has also been carried out between symmetric and unsymmetric laminated sandwich beam.