A sub-laminates FEM approach for the analysis of sandwich beams with multilayered composite faces

A finite element approach based on the Hermitian ZigZag theory and on the sub-laminates concept is proposed for the static analysis of sandwich structures. The accuracy of the model is evaluated through a set of numerical results about the static response of sandwich beams with composite multilayered faces subjected to different boundary conditions and external loads; a comparison with three-dimensional exact elasticity solutions (when available) and high-fidelity FE models is also performed. An experimental tests campaign is also carried out to further assess the HZZ model accuracy. It is shown that the proposed approach is valid in determining global and local responses of sandwich beams.