A Simplified Two-Dimentional Unit Cell Model for Analyzing the Transverse Shear Stiffness of Three-Dimentional Truss-Like Core Sandwich Beam

Problem statement: In structural analysis using finite element software, a complex three-dimensional model affects the speed of calculation time. A simplified two-dimensional model should be used for analyzing structural responses to reduce the calculation time. Approach: This study presents a study on the analysis of the transverse shear stiffness of three-dimensional truss-like core sandwich beam using a simplified two-dimensional unit cell model. Three kinds of core topologies: A truss core, an X-truss core and a bi-directional corrugated-strip core are chosen to be analyzed in this study. The presented simplified two-dimensional unit cell model is compared in transverse shear stiffness with the three-dimensional finite element unit cell model. Results: In this study, the results show that the simplified two-dimensional unit cell model can be used for analyzing the transverse shear stiffness of three-dimensional truss-like core sandwich beam with a good correlative with the three-dimensional finite element unit cell model. Conclusion: From the finding, the transverse shear stiffness of three-dimensional truss-like core sandwich beam can be obtained from the simplified two-dimensional unit cell model. This simplified two-dimensional model can be used to substitute the complex three-dimensional finite element model; consequently, the speed of calculation time is increased.