Abstract
This study details a fabrication methodology envisaged to manufacture Glass/BMI honeycomb core aerogel-filled sandwich panels. Silica aerogel granules are used as core fillers to provide thermal insulation properties with little weight increase. Experimental heat transfer studies are conducted on these panels to study the temperature distribution between their two surfaces. Numerical studies are also carried out to validate the results. Despite exhibiting good thermal shielding capabilities, the Glass/BMI sandwich panels are found to oxidise at 180 oC if exposed directly to heat. In order to increase the temperature bearing capacity and the operating temperature range for these panels, a way of coating them from outside with high temperature spray paint was tried. With a silicone-based coating, the temperature sustainability of these sandwich panels is found to increase to 350 oC. This proved the effectiveness of the formed manufacturing process, selected high temperature coating, the coating method as well as the envisaged sandwich panel concept.
Highlights
Many industries are on the lookout for lighter and stronger materials that will replace traditional structural materials like engineering metal alloys
A special category of composites fabricated by having a thick lightweight core sandwiched between two thin face sheets, are one among the various ways in which composites are used as structural materials
Face sheets are generally made of high-stiffness composites bonded to a thick core which is usually made of a low density material
Summary
Many industries are on the lookout for lighter and stronger materials that will replace traditional structural materials like engineering metal alloys. Composites have gained a lot of attention over the past couple of decades, due to their high specific strength, stiffness, toughness, and low density [1]. As a result, using composites as structural materials in aircrafts leads to weight savings of 20–25% [2]. A special category of composites fabricated by having a thick lightweight core sandwiched between two thin face sheets, are one among the various ways in which composites are used as structural materials. Face sheets are generally made of high-stiffness composites bonded to a thick core which is usually made of a low density material. The main function of the core is to increase the distance between the two face sheets thereby giving the sandwich composite a high ratio of flexural stiffness to weight. The core helps resist transverse shear loads, lowers lateral deformation, increases buckling resistance, provides fracture toughness and has higher natural frequencies [3,4,5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
