Non-linear transient dynamic analysis of sandwich plate with composite face-sheets embedded with shape memory alloy wires and flexible core- based on the mixed LW (layer-wise)/ESL (equivalent single layer) models

Abstract In this study, a nonlinear dynamic analysis of sandwich plate with flexible core and laminated composite face sheets embedded with shape memory alloy (SMA) wires is investigated using the mixed LW/ESL models in the framework of Carrera's Unified Formulation. The instantaneous phase transformation effects are considered for every point on the face sheets. Since, this research deals with the transient nonlinear problem and the structure is thick plate with flexible core, employing a model with high accuracy and low computational cost is vital in this work. For this aim, the new mixed LW/ESL models proposed are employed in this study. The constitutive equation proposed by Brinson is used for modeling the nonlinear behavior of SMA wires. The governing equations are derived employing the Reissner Mixed Variational Theorem (RMVT) in order to satisfy the interlaminar continuity of transverse stresses between the layers. The nonlinear governing equations are solved based on the transient finite element along with the iterative incremental method. Some parametric studies such as intensity of impulsive pressure, location of SMA wires, plate aspect ratio, ratio of face sheet's thickness to the total thickness, volume fraction of the SMA wires and also boundary conditions upon the loss factor are investigated.