Interfacial Strain Energy Continuity Assumption-Based Analysis of an Orthotropic-Skin Sandwich Plate Using a Refined Layer-by-Layer Theory

A layer-by-layer analysis in combination with a refined plate theory to predict the mechanical behavior of orthotropic-face sandwich structures in a general lamination configuration is suggested. This approach is compatible with uniform deformation principles based on the aspect ratio of the laminate incorporating the continuity of the flexural and in-plane displacements. The interlaminar continuity equations are also constrained using Lagrange multipliers and introducing 14 new variables. The values of the existing and newly introduced variables are determined through the total potential energy minimization technique. The aforesaid numerical analysis is done by the MuPAD code, and the numerical outcomes are compared with other exact reliable published results. The approach proposed is capable of handling the analysis of sandwich structures.