An Efficient Three Nodded Finite Element Formulation for Free Vibration Analysis of Sandwich Arches with Graded Metallic Cellular Core

Abstract

An efficient finite element model based on three nodded element has been developed for the vibration analysis of sandwich arches with graded metallic cellular (GMC) core. The present formulation is based on the higher-order shear deformation theory and orthogonal curvilinear coordinate axes. The arch consists of two isotropic face sheets and a GMC core layer. The internal pores in the core layer follow the different types of distributions. The material properties of the GMC core layer of the sandwich arches vary in the thickness direction as a function in terms of porosity coefficient and mass density. Three types of porosity distributions have been considered to accomplish the vibration responses of sandwich arches. The present formulation is validated with limited results available in the literature. Few new results are computed and the effects of different influencing parameters such as porosity coefficient [Formula: see text], porosity distribution type, the thickness-to-length ratio [Formula: see text], boundary conditions and opening angle [Formula: see text] on the free vibration characteristics of sandwich arches with the GMC core are observed. The present finite element model gives better convergence and more accurate results than a conventional two nodded element-based finite element model.