The three-point bending of a sandwich beam with two binding layers - Comparison of two nonlinear hypotheses

The paper is devoted to the strength analysis of a simply supported three layer beam. The sandwich beam consists of: two metal facings, the metal foam core and two binding layers between the faces and the core. In consequence, the beam is a five layer beam. The main goal of the study is to elaborate a mathematical model of this beam, analytical description and a solution of the three-point bending problem. The two different nonlinear hypotheses of the deformation of the cross section of the beam are formulated. Based on the principle of the stationary potential energy the two systems of four equations of equilibrium are derived. Then deflections and stresses are determined. The results of the solutions of the bending problem analysis are shown in the tables and figures. The analytical model is verified numerically using the finite element analysis, as well as experimentally.