Review and assessment of various theories for modeling sandwich composites

In this paper, an attempt has been made to analyze and assess the various kinematics and theories used for the modeling of sandwich composites. Major classes of representative theories such as classical laminate theory (CLT), first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and high-order theories (HOTs) as well as Zig-Zag based theory models have been considered and a unified kinematic formulation is then proposed. Comparative studies with a finite element solution free of any kinematics assumptions have been conducted to address the applicability and the efficiency of previously considered models and theories. Qualitative and quantitative assessments of displacement, stress fields and modal parameters (natural frequency and loss factor) have been presented and discussed for several geometrical and mechanical sandwich beams configurations as well as a clear picture on suitable applications of each analyzed model.