A Novel Kinematics-Based Approach for Fiber-Reinforced Sandwich Beams Considering Continuous Shear Stress Response

Resumo

Sandwich beams are widely used in engineering due their high stiffness-to-mass ratio and manufacturing efficiency. However, their complex mechanical behavior, particularly the zigzag pattern observed in longitudinal displacement, requires advanced modeling strategies. This study introduces a refined higher-order zigzag theory that enforces shear stress continuity across layer interfaces, thereby overcoming the limitations of classical beam theories. The governing differential equations and variationally consistent boundary conditions are derived using the principle of minimum total potential energy. A strong-form solution is obtained using the Navier method. The proposed model's displacement fields, normal stresses, and shear stresses are validated against analytical elasticity solutions, demonstrating improved accuracy in capturing the mechanical response of laminated composite beams.