A quasi-2D finite element formulation for the analysis of sandwich beams

A quasi-two-dimensional finite element formulation is presented for the static and dynamic analysis of sandwich beams that are composed of three layers. Each layer has both longitudinal- and transverse-displacement fields. Polynomials are employed to interpolate the displacement fields through the depth of each layer, and each interpolation point along the depth is interpolated span-wise via the use of Lagrange cubic interpolation functions. The formulation is shown to be independent of the flexibility of the core layer; it is also effective for viscoelastic cores.