Elasticity Solution of Torsion of Sandwich Plates

A rigorous analysis of the torsion of rectangular sandwich plates, to determine the limits for which the St. Venant theory is satisfactory is presented. Two analyses are given. In one, the torque to which the plate is subjected is produced by loads applied normal to the facings at or near the two corners of one end, and similar but resisting loads applied at or near the other two corners. All other surfaces, including the edge of the core and facings, are free of boundary stress. This type of setup is often used in the laboratories for the experimental determination of the shear modulii of the sandwich constructions. In the other analysis, the St. Venant theory is used; it does not satisfy the detailed boundary conditions in regard to the applied load.