A new sandwich element for modeling of partially delaminated sandwich beam structures

In this paper, a new sandwich beam element is introduced for analyzing structures with flexible core and partially delaminated regions. element, interfaces between the face sheets are modeled by two independent layers. The model uses high-order panel theory to consider flexibility of nonlinearities associated geometry real contact characteristics proposed motion field takes advantage both displacement gradients in boundaries. Therefore, kinematics allow continuity conditions displacements rotations at be exactly satisfied fully bounded delamination By using finite (FE) formulation Hermite shape functions, elemental vectors matrices derived framework Hamilton’s principle. FE governing equations solved Newton-Raphson iterative scheme. A 2D method also developed verify predictions various cases. Comparison studies show that results from models good agreement. They can predict large-deformation behaviors much better than simplified available literature. set parametric study devoted provide an insight into influence boundary condition, number position regions on deformations, stresses instability clamped cantilever beams. not only more computationally efficient usually used such analysis, but same time accurate, simple robust. It found modeling zone stress distribution each interface independently crucial accurately analyze structures.