ANALYSIS OF POST YIELD SHEAR DISTRIBUTION WITHIN SANDWICH BEAMS

摘要

This paper reports on the post yield shear distribution of soft-core sandwich beams when geometric non-linearity is taken into account. A finite element model simulating a four-point bend test based on the ASTMC393-94 test standard was developed. The model was validated by comparing its deflection under known loading conditions with experimental data. Shear forces of each layer were calculated at various regions along the beam. Calculated shear distribution was compared with the shear distribution based on the higher order theory for sandwich beams with yielded core developed by Mercado et al. Results show that geometric non-linearity has a significant effect on the actual shear distribution across the depth of sandwich beams. Face sheets begin to support the structure through membrane stresses when there is significant deformation with respect to the face sheet thickness.