Hierarchical models for the static analysis of three-dimensional sandwich beam structures

This paper presents a static analysis of three-dimensional sandwich beam structures. Several higher-order, displacements-based theories as well as classical Euler Bernoulli's and Timoshenko's models are derived by approximating the displacement field over the cross-section in a compact, unified form. The governing differential equations and the boundary conditions are derived in a nuclear form which is representative of a generic term in the displacement field approximation. This approach yields a problem formulation that does not depend upon the kinematic approximation order. The resulting boundary value problem is analytically solved by a Navier-type solution. The analysis is carried out in terms of displacement and stress field due to bending and torsional loads in slender and short sandwich beams. The effect of the skin/core anisotropy ratio is investigated. Results are assessed towards reference three-dimensional finite element solutions showing that the sandwich problems can be accurately yet efficiently solved. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.