Elasticity Solution for Stresses in a Sandwich Beam with Functionally Graded Core

Abstract

Introduction W EIGHT savingsofferedby sandwich constructionsfor structures that require high bending stiffness are signiŽ cant. However, sandwich constructions have not been fully exploited in structuralapplicationsdue to damage toleranceconcerns.The core– face-sheet delamination is a major concern in sandwich construction. The stiffness discontinuityat the face sheet and core interface results in a large increase in shear stresses. Although the core material itself may be able to withstand very high shear stresses, the bond (or adhesive layer) at the interface could be relativelyweaker resulting in interfacial delamination. Results from this study indicate that the interfacial shear stresses can be reduced by varying (functionallygrading) the core properties through the thickness. This Note presents the displacement and stress Ž elds in a functionallygraded core for a one-dimensionalsandwichplate and compares them to that in a uniformcore. The objective is to demonstrate the signiŽ cant reduction in shear stresses at the face-sheet–core interface in the sandwich panel achieved by functionally grading the core properties.