Analysis and Testing of a Tapered End Connection for Laser Welded Steel Sandwich Panels

摘要

14. ABSTRACT This report summarize the analysis and cyclic testing of a laser welded steel sandwich panel end connection. Also included are monotonic tests of stake welded lap shear coupons with welds oriented both longitudinally and transverse. Steel sandwich panels offer substantial resistance to static and dynamic loads due to their high stiffness and substantial energy absorbing capacity. Panels of this kind are interest of potential use in ships and are especially efficient in resisting extreme events such as impact or shock loading. This research is conducted to investigate the mechanical behavior of a tapered steel sandwich panel end connection using finite element analysis techniques and experimental test methods. A verification study, performed comparing finite element analysis and an analytical model to an experimental study documented in the literature, demonstrates good agreement between the approaches. Finite element analyses are employed to study the response of a laser welded steel sandwich panel tapered end connection designed specifically for use in an aircraft hangar door. Performance of this connection is verified with experimental test procedures to demonstrate that the connection has adequate strength and the failure location is outside the connection region. Photogrammetry techniques are used to visualize the mechanical response. Static tests of the stake weld in a lap- shear configuration provide quantification of the weld resistance per unit length.