LAUSR

Abstract This paper proposes a quadrature element method based on Chebyshev polynomials for the static analysis of the defective sandwich beam with general boundary conditions. Gauss-Lobatto nodes are utilized. The discrete governing equation is obtained by the high-order sandwich beam theory and the principle of minimum potential energy. A series of numerical examples of the defective sandwich beam with different boundary conditions, geometric parameters, and material properties subjected to various loadings are carried out. The results are compared with the existing methods and the finite element method to verify the proposed method, demonstrating that the present approach can converge exponentially and yield very accurate displacements and stresses. The influence of the defect on the stiffness of the sandwich beam is analyzed. The current method can provide a theoretical basis for the design of the multifunctional beam structure.