Use of composite structures is exponentially growing in different fields due to their higher strength-to-weight ratio. This application trend requires that accurate theoretical explanations and their finite element models be developed for analyzing sandwich plates before finalizing the designs. This paper reviews the recent research trends of finite element formulations developed for analyzing sandwich plates. This paper reviews the finite element models developed after the year 2000. Initially, the finite element formulations based on first order shear deformation theory, higher order shear deformation theories, mixed solid-shell elements, zig-zag theories and global–local theories are presented. Then, some finite element formulations developed to analyze a very new class of structures called piezoelectric structures are presented. At the end, some formulations to analyze a very critical phenomenon called buckling are presented.
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