An accurate discrete model for the dynamics of web-core sandwich plates

An accurate discrete model is presented here for the dynamics of simply supported web-core sandwich plates using the elasticity approach. By modelling the face-plates as 3D solids and the core webs using a plane stress idealization for transverse bending and classical one-dimensional models for lateral bending and torsion, the non-classical effects of transverse shear deformation, thickness-stretch and rotary inertia are completely accounted for in both, the face-plates and webs. Vibrational frequency results obtained using this model are used to highlight the errors of the commonly used model based on the classical Kirchhoff hypothesis for the face-plates, indicating the importance of using refined theories for modelling the face-plates.