STRUCTURAL SANDWICH CONSTRUCTION: CORE MATERIALS AND PROCESS EVALUATION

摘要

In building high performance sandwich construction composite parts, there is a diverse opinion in terms of which is the best core material and process to manufacture these. This paper compares the results obtained from using different core materials and processes, while attempting to maintain all other variables constant in order to further clarify this constant debate. Even though the systems were not maintained as similar as desired, it is shown that depending on the result sought, some core materials will be more adequate than others to use with pre-impregnated fibers (PrePregs). Furthermore a general comparison between using PrePregs, Infusion, and Wet lay-up is done. Process observations, laminate properties, flexural properties, adhesion, impact damage resistance, and cost were evaluated on the panels.