Structural analysis of sandwich plates with variable stiffness composite skins and functionally graded cores using refined zig-zag theory

Official URL: https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15376494.2024.2323098

This work investigates the static flexural behavior of new hybrid Sandwich Plates (SP) with Functionally Graded (FG) cores and curvilinear fiber-reinforced Variable Stiffness (VS) skins. For simplicity and computational efficiency, the existing refined zig-zag theory formulation for curvilinear fiber-reinforced composites with three-node finite element (RZT3C) is enhanced to incorporate the thickness-wise material variation of the FG core. Benchmark problems of FG-SP under various boundary conditions are solved, with results compared against 3D Ansys and reference solutions. Contrary to costlier methods, the presented model accurately captures the complex flexural mechanics, paving the way for designing advanced structures.