Finite element static analysis of functionally graded sandwich beams with porous core resting on a two-parameter elastic foundation based on quasi-3D theory

This paper presents for the first time an investigation into the static characteristics of FG sandwich beams with porous ceramic core and sandwich beams with FG porous core resting on a two-parameter Winkler-Pasternak elastic foundation using a new three-node higher-order finite element model with five degrees-of-freedom per node based on quasi-3D deformation theory, that accounts both the effects of transverse shear and normal deformations. The beams are subjected to uniformly distributed loads, and their material properties vary gradually through the thickness according to the power-law distribution. The governing equation of motion is derived from Lagrange’s equations. Uniform, symmetric, and asymmetric porosity patterns are considered. The accuracy of the proposed model is verified through comparisons with existing results. A comprehensive parametric study is carried out to explore the effects of various parameters such as boundary conditions, skin-to-core thickness ratio, power-law index, slenderness, porosity, and elastic foundation parameters on the displacements and stresses of FG sandwich beams. Benchmark results presented in this study can serve as a reference for future research endeavors on FG sandwich beams with porous cores.