Accurate free and forced vibration behavior prediction of functionally graded sandwich beams with variable cross-section: A finite element assessment

The current investigation proposes an enhanced finite element beam model to assess the dynamic behavior of functionally graded sandwich beams with variable cross-sections. By integrating the shear effect, this beam model integrates both C0 and C1 continuities to generate elementary matrices using an efficient three-unknown shear deformation beam theory. The model focuses on advanced sandwich beams with functionally graded material face-sheets and metallic cores, exploring various geometric arrangements. The originality of this study addresses variable cross-sections in sandwich beams, evaluating the influence of material composition and geometric configurations on free and forced vibration responses, including…