Elasticity Solution for Curved Sandwich Beams/Panels and Comparison with Structural Theories

The linear elasticity problem formulation and solution for a generally asymmetric sandwich curved beam/panel consisting of orthotropic core and face sheets, which is subjected to a top face sinusoidal distributed transverse loading, is presented. The displacement approach is used along with a plane strain assumption, and the panel is assumed to be simply supported at the ends. Closed-form solutions for the displacements and stresses are derived, and results for realistic material systems are presented for the transverse and hoop displacements as well as the core transverse normal and shear stresses and the face hoop stresses. A comparison of the results between the elasticity, the first-order shear deformation theory with an equivalent shear modulus, and the classical sandwich theories is presented. In addition, a comparison is presented with results from the compressive high-order sandwich panel theory. This closed-form elasticity solution can be used as a benchmark in assessing the accuracy of the various sandwich panel theories or numerical approaches.