The Influence of Imperfect Contact Conditions between Layers of a Hollow Sandwich Sphere on its Natural Frequencies

Abstract

The influence of imperfect contact conditions between layers of a hollow sandwich sphere on its natural frequencies is studied. It is assumed that the materials of face layers are the same, but different from the core layer material. Each layer is made of a homogeneous isotropic material and has a constant thickness. Investigations are performed using a piecewise homogeneous body model with the use of exact three-dimensional equations and relations of elastodynamics. The solution of the corresponding equations of motion of the hollow sandwich sphere is presented through the Helmholtz potentials in spherical coordinates. Numerical results for the influence of imperfect contact conditions between layers on the natural frequencies of the sphere are presented and discussed. It is established that an imperfect contact between sphere layers can decrease its natural frequencies significantly.