Analysis of Nonlinear Dynamic Behavior of Sandwich Panels with Cellular Honeycomb Cores and Nano-Composite Skins

Nonlinear free/forced vibrational behavior of a sandwich plate with graphene platelet (GPL) reinforced face sheets has been examined in the present research based on classic plate theory and von-Karman's nonlinear strains. Honeycomb sandwich panels are often made of aluminum material having low weight but also low stiffness. Here, the application of GPL-reinforced nanocomposites as face sheets of sandwich panels has been proposed to enhance their mechanical performance. Uniform and linear distributions of GPLs in the face sheets have been considered. Based on Gibson technique, the hexagonal honeycomb core is equalized with a solid core. Harmonic balance method has been implemented to solve the nonlinear governing equations of sandwich panel having cubic nonlinearities. It is found that free and forced vibrations of honeycomb sandwich panel are affected by GPL dispersion type, GPL amount in the face sheets, face sheet thickness and cell wall thickness of the core.