Fabrication, testing and analysis of composite sandwich beams

The sandwich construction configuration is widely used in structures where low weight, high in-plane and bending stiffness and strength are required. Several models have been developed to explain the behavior of beams, plates and shells under different loading conditions. Most of the work has been done on computational models but there is still a need for experimental validation and evaluation of these theories or development of new models. This work on composite sandwich beams under static and impact loading intends to make a contribution in this area.; A comprehensive study of composite sandwich beams was performed using experimental, analytical and numerical techniques. The experimental program consisted of mechanical characterization and modeling of sandwich constituents and testing of sandwich beams under static and impact loading. Several existing models were reviewed and new models proposed to explain the behavior of sandwich structures under these loading conditions. A correlation between models and experimental results was established by comparing moment-strain, load-deflection and other curves. The contact law is of particular interest for this kind of structures. It was studied experimentally and analytical predictions were also developed. The failure mechanisms of sandwich beams were also studied in detail and nondestructive techniques were utilized to evaluate them. Other issues such as fabrication of sandwich structures were also given consideration.