Stiffness degradation of cracked metal/ceramic sandwich plates under hygro-thermo-mechanical loading

The proposed model introduces a novel approach to predicting stiffness and Poisson's ratio degradation in metal ceramic sandwich plates, specifically under hygro-thermo-mechanical loadings. Unlike previous models such as the Equivalent Constraint Model (ECM), this model incorporates an inter-laminar adhesive layer to transmit normal and shear stresses between the ceramic and metallic layers, significantly enhancing its accuracy in environmental stress simulation. By extending the shear lag model to include temperature and humidity effects, this model provides a more precise prediction of mechanical response under extreme operational conditions. Validation against experimental data further establishes the model's reliability, showing a substantial improvement in predictive capability. The Analysis reveals that both stiffness and Poisson's ratio degrade progressively with increasing crack density, temperature, and concentration, with the extent of degradation varying across metal content. Validated against experimental data, this model advances scientific understanding of metal-ceramic composite performance and provides a practical, accurate tool for designing resilient composites in demanding sectors such as aerospace and automotive, where environmental resilience is critical.