Static and dynamic analysis of bending–torsion coupling of a CFRP sandwich beam

The bending–torsion coupling for a sandwich beam is analysed from the static and vibrational point of view. Off-axis orientations in the skin and transverse graded core are proposed to perform the coupling. Solutions are first compared numerically from a static point of view using a complete beam theory. The natural frequencies and mode shapes are then studied experimentally and numerically. An experimental assembly test rig is presented, where a sandwich beam is embedded on the shaker and measurements are taken with a scanning vibrometer. These results are then compared to those calculated by a finite element model in order to verify the accuracy of the model and its ability to consider all the physical phenomena involved.