A triangular plate element for thermo-elastic analysis of sandwich panels with a functionally graded core

• Published in: International journal for numerical methods in engineering Vol. 68; no. 9; pp. 940 - 966
• Main Authors: Das, M., Barut, A., Madenci, E., Ambur, D. R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 26-11-2006; Wiley
• Subjects: Computational techniques; Exact sciences and technology; FGM; finite element; Finite element method; Functionally gradient materials; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Grading; hybrid formulation; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical methods in physics; Mathematical models; Physics; Plate theory; Sandwich construction; single-layer theory; Solid mechanics; Static elasticity (thermoelasticity...); Structural and continuum mechanics; Three dimensional; hybrid formulation; Triangular plate; finite element; single-layer theory; Sandwich structure; Triangular finite element; Thermomechanical properties; Modeling; FGM; Weight; Orthotropic material; Finite element method; Thick film; Functionnally graded material; sandwich construction; Thermoelasticity; Temperature fluctuation
• ISSN: 0029-5981; 1097-0207
• DOI: 10.1002/nme.1724

A sandwich construction is commonly composed of a single soft isotropic core with relatively stiff orthotropic face sheets. The stiffness of the core may be functionally graded through the thickness in order to reduce the interfacial shear stresses. In analysing sandwich panels with a functionally gradient core, the three‐dimensional conventional finite elements or elements based on the layerwise (zig‐zag) theory can be used. Although these elements accurately model a sandwich panel, they are computationally costly when the core is modelled as composed of several layers due to its grading material properties. An alternative to these elements is an element based on a single‐layer plate theory in which the weighted‐average field variablescapture the panel deformation in the thickness direction. This study presents a new triangular finite element based on {3,2}‐order single‐layer theory for modelling thick sandwich panels with or without a functionally graded core subjected to thermo‐mechanical loading. A hybrid energy functional is employed in the derivation of the element because of a C1 interelement continuity requirement. The variations of temperature and distributed loading acting on the top and bottom surfaces are non‐uniform. The temperature also varies arbitrarily through the thickness. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.