Performance of Sandwich Structures with Composite Reinforced Core

Sandwich panels with a foam core reinforced with composite laminates were investigated. The effective material properties of the reinforced core were obtained by homogenization. The general equations of equilibrium for sandwich plates were derived and used for parametric studies of the behavior of the sandwich plates. Three Point Bending tests were performed to experimentally measure the bending stiffness along with the strength of sandwich beams. The test results were also used to verify the analytical solution obtained by using the sandwich plate theory. It was found that local indentation must be included in the theoretical model. Static punching tests (SPT) and low velocity impact (LVI) tests were performed to investigate the behavior of sandwich plates under static and dynamic point loads. The force-displacement relations were modeled based on indentation data. The damage modes, effects of the core reinforcement, and effects of the foam were investigated. A second manufacturing method for constructing the reinforced core was presented, and its properties were compared with those obtained using the original manufacturing method.