Accurate analytical solutions for shear-deformable web-core sandwich plates

An accurate discrete model and analytical solutions thereof are presented for shear-deformable web-core sandwich plates. The face-plates are analyzed using the equations of three-dimensional elasticity, while the webs are accurately modelled using the classical plate theory with a plane stress solution for transverse bending and a Levy-type methodology for lateral bending. It is shown that this obviates the need for a complete three-dimensional analysis of the sandwich plate. Results obtained by this approach are used to highlight the effect of shear deformation of the face-plates.