Three-dimensional elasticity solution for sandwich panels with a functionally graded core

Sandwich panels are used in a variety of engineering applications including aircraft, construction and transportation. Due to the mismatch of stiffness properties between the face sheets and the core, sandwich panels are susceptible to delamination, which is a major problem in sandwich construction. To increase the resistance of such panels to delamination, the concept of a functionally graded material (FGM) is being actively explored in sandwich panel design. This paper is concerned with three-dimensional elasticity analysis of sandwich panels with a functionally graded core subjected to transverse loading. The Young’s modulus of the core is assumed to vary exponentially through the thickness. A comparative study of two types of sandwich panels reveals that the use of a graded core instead of a conventional homogeneous one eliminates discontinuity of the in-plane normal and shear stresses across the face sheet–core interfaces, which contribute to the structural failure of the panel.