PUNCH SHEAR BEHAVIOR OF 3-D E-GLASS/BALSA CORE/VINYLESTER SANDWICH COMPOSITES

摘要

Penetration resistance of 3-D E-glass/balsa core/vinyl ester sandwich composites is presented. The penetration resistance of sandwich composites as a function of face sheet thickness is quantified experimentally. The sandwich construction offers two important energy absorbing damage mechanisms as compared to baseline composite laminates. The top face sheet supported by the core materials offers higher energy absorption, while the bottom face sheet bonded to the core also offers higher energy absorption as compared to the baseline composite laminates. The energy absorption per unit areal-density of sandwich structures increases with the increase in face sheet thickness. This study provides insight into the sandwich composite design for penetration resistance of composite structures.