A CLT-based closed-form analytical framework for elastic flexural response and core-yield load prediction of composite-face sandwich beams
Structures, cilt.92, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 92
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.istruc.2026.112850
- Dergi Adı: Structures
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
- Anahtar Kelimeler: CLT-based analytical framework, Composite face material, Experimental validation, Flexural stiffness, Sandwich beam
- Çukurova Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
This study presents a closed-form Classical Laminate Theory (CLT)-based analytical framework for predicting the flexural stiffness, elastic load-deflection response, and core-yield load of sandwich beams with composite face-sheets and PVC foam cores. The face-sheet stiffness is obtained directly from CLT using constituent and layup data, and the resulting laminate stiffness terms are integrated into established sandwich-beam relations without experimental calibration of an equivalent face-sheet modulus at the sandwich level. The framework is first benchmarked against the Allen model for conceptual configurations and then experimentally validated using high-vacuum-bagged sandwich beams manufactured with different core densities, core thicknesses, face-sheet layer counts, and span lengths. The predicted flexural stiffness values show good agreement with experiments (typically about 2.3–4.8% deviation), and the predicted core-yield loads are mostly within about 5%, with a maximum deviation of 6.8% in the most discrepant case. The results demonstrate that the proposed CLT-integrated workflow provides a practical and reasonably accurate engineering tool for preliminary design and parametric evaluation of composite-face sandwich beams.