Analysis and Optimization of Foam Core Mid-Plane Asymmetric Sandwich Beams Under Lateral Loads

Abstract

The equations with which to analyze, design and optimize honeycomb sandwich beams subjected to laterally distributed loads are presented. They apply to beams using composite materials and for isotropic materials. Specifically they account for mid-plane asymmetry in order to maximize the structural efficiency, thus providing for differing face materials, ply sequencing and/or thicknesses. Explicit solutions are given for the beam subjected to a uniform lateral load for several boundary conditions. To attain minimum weight, the means to select each face thickness, the core depth and the honeycomb core wall thickness and cell size are given. Localized face dimpling and face wrinkling, using and comparing the results of Heath equation and the Hoff-Mautner equation are included. The effects of transverse shear deformation are also shown. In order to choose the face material and core materials to achieve a minimum weight structure, Factors of Merit are defined for the faces and the core. Various face materials are then compared.