Numerical static and dynamic analyses of improved equivalent models for corrugated sandwich structures

In order to further improve the accuracy of the equivalent models of the trapezoidal corrugated core, a 3D homogenization method based on a representative unit cell (RUC) has been developed to obtain a complete set of equivalent properties, which also investigates the influences of the elastic modulus in the thickness direction and different RUCs on the equivalent models that were rarely considered in previous studies. Then free vibration analysis is conducted to further validate the present homogenized models by comparing with the corresponding actual corrugated sandwich structures. Finally, parametric studies are carried out to investigate the influence of the corrugation height and trough angle on the equivalent properties and natural frequencies. Results show that sufficient accuracy of the present homogenized models can be easily obtained by choosing suitable profile geometries and high-quality meshes. Furthermore, the effects of corrugation height and trough angle both play a vital role in the equivalent properties and dynamic behavior of corrugated sandwich structures. Several conclusions are drawn, which may be useful for designing such kinds of sandwich cored structures in the applications.