Sandwich structures with composite inserts: Experimental studies

Abstract Experimental studies are presented on the performance of insert assemblies of the sandwich structures under localized through‐the‐thickness compressive loading. Through‐the‐thickness and partially inserted fully potted inserts are studied. Insert materials considered are: aluminum and 3D woven composite. Experimental results are compared with the analytical predictions. It is observed that the specific strength of 3D woven composite inserts is more than that of aluminum inserts. Further, it is observed that the specific strength of through‐the‐thickness inserts is more than that of partially inserted fully potted inserts. Delamination between upper face plate and core material and sliding of attachment/insert within the core are the main modes of failure initiation. Quantitative results are presented for typical cases. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers