Geomechanics and Engineering

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Mechanical performance of BDFG-faced sandwich plates with metallic foam core on a partial foundation under combined in-plane compression and transverse bending: support condition effects

  • Mohamed Sekkal (Ahmed Zabana University) ;
  • Rabbab Bachir Bouiadjra (Department of Civil Engineering, Material and Hydrology Laboratory, University of Sidi Bel Abbes) ;
  • Wafa Adda Bedia (Laboratoire de Modelisation et Simulation Multi-echelle, Universite de Sidi Bel Abbes) ;
  • Samir Benyoucef (Department of Civil Engineering, Material and Hydrology Laboratory, University of Sidi Bel Abbes) ;
  • Abdelouahed Tounsi (Department of Civil Engineering, Material and Hydrology Laboratory, University of Sidi Bel Abbes) ;
  • Ayed Eid Alluqmani (Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Islamic University of Madinah)
  • Received : 2025.11.21
  • Accepted : 2026.04.22
  • Published : 2026.05.10
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Abstract

This paper investigates the combined buckling and bending response of sandwich plates composed of bidirectional functionally graded (BDFG) face sheets and a metallic foam core, resting on a partial elastic foundation. Unlike previous studies limited to single load types, the present work considers simultaneous in-plane axial loads (compressive/tensile) and transverse loads inducing out-of-plane bending deformation. Furthermore, multiple boundary conditions including simply supported, clamped, free, and mixed edge restraints are systematically examined to reflect realistic support scenarios. The BDFG face sheets possess material properties that vary continuously in both in-plane (x,z) directions, while the metallic foam core follows a porosity-dependent mechanical distribution. A quasi-3D shear deformation theory is employed to formulate the governing equations. The principle of virtual work is used to derive the equilibrium equations, which are subsequently solved using an analytical solution method. After validating the present formulation against benchmark results, an extensive parametric study is conducted to assess the influence of key parameters: foam porosity coefficient, bidirectional gradation indices, partial foundation stiffness and location, in-plane to transverse load ratio and the type of boundary support. Results reveal that the interplay between combined loading, foundation partialization, and edge restraints significantly alters the critical buckling load and maximum transverse deflection. The proposed model provides a robust design tool for lightweight sandwich structures in aerospace, civil, and marine engineering applications where non-uniform support and combined loading are prevalent.

Keywords

References

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