A numerical evaluation on nonlinear dynamic response of sandwich plates with partially rectangular skin/core debonding

Abstract As one of the most dangerous defects in the sandwich panel, debonding could significantly degrade load carrying capacity and affect dynamic behaviour. The present work dealt with debonding detection of the rectangular clamped hybrid sandwich plate by using ABAQUS software. The influence of various damage ratios on the linear and nonlinear dynamic responses has been studied. The finite element model was initially validated by comparing the modal response with the experimental test. Rectangular debonding was detected by comparing dynamic responses of free and forced vibrations between intact and debonded models. A wide range of driving frequency excitation corresponding to transient and harmonic concentrated loads was implemented to highlight nonlinear behaviour in the intermittent contact in the debonded models. The results showed that debonding existence contributed to the natural frequency reduction and modes shape change. The numerical results revealed that debonding affected both the steady-state and impulse responses of the debonded models. Using the obtained responses, it was detected that the contact in the debonded region altered the dynamic global response of the debonded models. The finding provided the potential debonding diagnostic in ship structure using vibration-based structural health monitoring.