Abstract

This paper analyzes the bending response of several sandwich plates with a functionally graded core, using advanced equivalent single layer (ESL) and layerwise (LW) models with linear to fourth-order expansion in the thickness direction. The functionally graded properties of the core have been approximated by means of Legendre polynomials. The ESL and LW theories have been developed according to the principle of virtual displacements and Reissner’s mixed variational theorem; in the latter case, both displacements and transverse shear/normal stresses have been assumed as primary variables. Closed-form solutions for simply supported sandwich plates loaded by a transverse distribution of harmonic pressure are discussed. Various assessments have been made of the proposed theories with respect to the available results. Our obtained results show that, depending on the chosen functionally graded core, the use of advanced models may turn out to be mandatory with respect to classical theories (for example, first-order shear deformation theory). It has been shown that the use of a core in functionally graded material can offer some advantages with respect to the classical cores that have been widely employed in open literature. A benchmark has been proposed which consists of a sandwich plate with two isotropic faces (ceramic and metallic) and various functionally graded cores. That benchmark could be useful in assessing future refined computational models.

Publication

Received: 11 July 2008
Accepted: 1 November 2008

Authors