The effects of temperature on compressive responses and failure behaviors of composite Y‐frame cores sandwich structure

Abstract The temperature has an important effect on mechanical behaviors of composite Y‐frame cores sandwich structure. Therefore, the in‐plane compressive behaviors of this structure should be thoroughly studied before it is used in engineering structures. The in‐plane compressive tests for Y‐frame cores sandwich structure were carried out within the temperature ranged from −70°C to 200°C. The load–deformation curves, deformation modes, and failure load of sandwich structure at various temperatures were compared and discussed. The results revealed that the deformation modes, load–deformation curves, and failure load were closely associated with the testing temperature. The cryogenic temperature caused the increasing of the failure load of Y‐frame cores sandwich structure. However, the high temperature caused the degradation of the failure load of Y‐frame cores sandwich structure. The in‐plane compressive failure load increased from 11.78 to 14.82 kN as the testing temperature fell from 20°C to −70°C while the in‐plane compressive failure load decreased from 11.78 to 2.06 kN as the testing temperature increased from 20°C to 200°C. The theoretical expression was also given to forecast the compressive failure load, and the theoretical results would be compared with the experimental results.