Finite element aided design of biaxial bending tests on oval sandwich plates

In this paper a computer-based modelling technique is presented to aid the development of novel mechanical tests. In particular, finite element technologies are applied to assist the development of a novel bending test on simply-supported oval sandwich plates with the aid of a 32-bit personal micro-computer. The parametric study of plate eccentricity by finite element analysis proves clearly that the test proposed is capable of providing a homogeneous biaxial state of stress or strain of maximum magnitude over the central region of plate skins with variable maximum-stress ratio to cover most parts of the biaxial tension and compression stress or strain quadrants.