A new FE model based on higher order zigzag theory for the analysis of laminated sandwich beam with soft core

A new finite element (FE) model has been developed based on higher order zigzag theory (HOZT) for the static analysis of laminated sandwich beam with soft core. In this theory, the in-plane displacement variation is considered to be cubic for both the face sheets and the core. The transverse displacement is assumed to vary quadratically within the core while it remains constant in the faces beyond the core. The proposed model satisfies the condition of transverse shear stress continuity at the layer interfaces and the zero transverse shear stress condition at the top and bottom of the beam. The nodal field variables are chosen in an efficient manner to overcome the problem of continuity requirement of the derivatives of transverse displacements. A C0 quadratic beam finite element is implemented to model the HOZT for the present analysis. Numerical examples covering different features of laminated composite and sandwich beams are presented to illustrate the accuracy of the present model. Many new results are also presented which should be useful for future research.