Mechanical Behavior of Polypropylene-based Honeycomb-Core Composite Sandwich Structures

Abstract

This article presents results from an experimental study, investigating the effects of core thickness on the mechanical properties of composite sandwich structures with polypropylene(PP)-based honeycomb core and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) face-sheets fabricated by hand lay-up technique. Epoxy matrix and non-crimp glass fibers were used for the production of GFRP laminates. Flatwise compression (FC), edgewise compression (EC), three-point bending (3PB) and double cantilever beam (DCB) tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical behavior of the composite sandwich structures (CSSs). Based on the FC tests, an increase in the compressive modulus and strength was observed with an increase in the core thickness. For EC tests, peak loads up to crush of the sandwich panel is discussed using core thickness. According to the 3PB tests, a decrease in core shear stress and facesheet bending stress was observed as the core thickness increases.