Static Deflection and Free Vibration behavior of Sandwich Plates Made of Hybrid Flax/Glass Fiber Composite Skins and PLA Core

In the current work, the vibration and bending behaviour of hybrid sandwich plates is analysed using the finite element (FE) method. The sandwich plate's core is formed of polylactic acid (PLA), while the skins are strengthened with flax/glass fibers. Different arrangements of the skin layers of sandwich plates reinforced with flax and glass fibers were explored. A higher order theory-based FE model was used to predict the sandwich plates' natural frequencies and deflections. The FE model was validated by comparing the results obtained from the model with the literature results. The effects of stacking sequence, ply angles and end condition on the dynamic properties of sandwich plates have been studied in detail. Finally, the implications of stacking sequence on a hybrid sandwich plate that is subjected to mechanical loads are explored. The results of this study can provide valuable insights for the design and development of more efficient and cost-effective sandwich structures for various engineering applications.