This book provides an extensive introduction to the mechanics of anti-sandwiches: non-classical
composites with multiple homogeneous layers but widely differing parameters concerning their
geometry and materials. Therefore they require special attention in the context of structural
mechanics. The theoretical framework presented here is based on a five parametric planar
continuum which is a pragmatic version of the COSSERAT shell. The direct approach used here is
enlarged where constraints are introduced to couple layers and furnish a layer-wise theory.
Restrictions are made in terms of linearity - geometrical and physical. After having defined
appropriate variables for the kinematics and kinetics linear elastic material behaviour is
considered where the constitutive tensors are introduced in the context of isotropy. The
basics are presented in a clear and distinct manner using index-free tensor notation. This
format is simple concise and practical. Closed-form solutions of such boundary value problems
are usually associated with serious limitations on the boundary conditions which constitutes a
serious disadvantage. To construct approximate solutions a variational method is employed as
the basis for computational procedures where the Finite Element Method is applied. Therefore
the introduction of the vector-matrix notation is convenient. Based on the plane considerations
a finite eight-node SERENDIPITY element with enlarged degrees of freedom is realised. To avoid
artificial stiffening effects various integration types are applied and the solutions
generated are subsequently verified with closed-form solutions for monolithic limiting cases.
Within this setting it is possible to efficiently calculate the global structural behaviour of
Anti-Sandwiches at least up to a certain degree. The power of the proposed method in
combination with the numerical solution approach is demonstrated for several case and parameter
studies. In this regard the optimal geometrical and material parameters to increase stiffness
are analysed and the results for the kinematic and kinetic quantities are discussed.
