An approach to numerical modeling and simulation of cellular foam sandwich structures in commercial FE-softwares

The difficulty in modeling and simulation of sandwich materials lies in its intrinsic anisotropy; non-homogeneity and choosing appropriate assumptions that allow proper joining of face sheets with the core material. The accuracy of simulation results depends on the modeling assumptions and capabilities which may vary from software to software. This paper describes the methods and strategies for 3D-modeling and simulation of sandwich beams using commercial FEM-Systems (ANSYS 10, ABAQUS 6 and ALGOR V18) and its interface with CAD-systems. The evaluation of the commercial FEM-Systems was carried out using the so called Use-Value Analysis suggested in Pahl/Beitz. This could help a design engineer to choose appropriate software for sandwich design. The four-point bending test is performed in order to determine the load-deflection behaviour of a sandwich beam under static loading. The FEM results are compared with the results of experiments and the theoretical predictions. Results obtained by using the FEM have shown excellent agreement with the results of experiments and the theoretical predictions.