Static and dynamic analyses of functionally graded sandwich skew shell panels

Abstract

The present work is an attempt to develop a simple, accurate and widely applicable finite element formulation having a C0 continuity of transverse displacement at nodes, for static and dynamic analyses of functionally graded sandwich skew shell (FGSSS) panels. A layerwise displacement field based on first-order shear-deformation theory for each layer along with Sanders’ approximation has been adopted for the analysis. Compatibility conditions are imposed at the layer interfaces to satisfy displacement continuity. Two different configurations of FGSSS are taken up in the present investigation. In the first configuration, the top and bottom layers of the panel are made of functionally graded material (FGM) and the core is made of pure metal, whereas in the second configuration, the top and bottom layers are made of pure ceramic and pure metal, respectively and the core is considered to be made of FGM. The material properties of both configurations of FGM panels are estimated according to the rule of mixture. It is observed from the analysis that the present finite element formulation is simple, accurate and computationally efficient. Parameters like skew angle, span to thickness ratio, core to facesheet thickness ratio, volume fraction and boundary conditions have a significant effect on static and dynamic behavior of functionally graded sandwich skew shell panels.