Dynamic analysis of sandwich beams with adhesive layers using the mixed Refined Zigzag Theory

In this paper, a dynamic analysis of the free vibration of sandwich beams is performed using the mixed Refined Zigzag Theory (RZT(m)). This recently developed theory has been demonstrated to be very accurate in predicting transverse displacements, fundamental frequencies, buckling loads, and local through-the-thickness quantities such as in-plane displacements and stresses. The beam is modelled using the quadrilateral finite element formulated by Refined Zigzag Theory for plates and the Reissner’s Mixed Variational Theorem in order to evaluate both flexural and torsional modes. Results of numerical models are compared with high-fidelity finite elements and those obtained with an experimental hammer test on sandwich beam specimens. It is concluded that the effect of the adhesive layers is crucial to assess the dynamic behavior of multilayered sandwich structures correctly.