Equivalent approach for the finite element analysis of various sandwich panels

Due to the poor generality, the analytical method can not be used to calculate the mechanical performance of sandwich panels with complex structure. Finite element analysis equivalent approach is applied to investigate the equivalent approach of sandwich panels in this research. The displacement constraints are exerted on the representative volume element model of sandwich panels to simulate the linear independent strain component and bending forces. Stiffness matrix is computed according to the constitutive relation of internal forces and strain. Finally, macroscopic equivalent elastic constants are obtained from the stiffness matrix, thus, sandwich panels can be equivalent to continuous single-layer plate volume elements. The errors of four main elastic constants of sandwich volume elements are within 0.2%, compared with the calculated results from analytical method, hence the validity of finite element analysis equivalent approach is proved. In addition, this method is applied to sandwich panels with three typical core structures. The errors of bending responses between the actual model and equivalent model are within 1.4%, which shows that the finite element equivalent approach do not need consider the complexity of sandwich panels with core structure, so it has generality.