Structurally graded core junctions in sandwich elements

The paper addresses the problem of sandwich beams/panels with junctions between different core materials. The physics of the impairing local effects induced by a mismatch of the elastic material properties at core junctions is discussed, and the results of an experimental investigation concerning the failure behaviour of sandwich beams with conventional butt and 'structurally graded' core junctions subjected to quasi-static as well as fatigue loading conditions in a three-point bending scheme are discussed. The novel concept of structurally graded core junctions presents different geometrical shapes of the core interfaces (e.g. bias junctions) as well as core junctions with locally reinforced faces. The novel design of core junctions is shown to provide larger quasi-static failure loads, and more beneficial crack initiation and propagation patterns in sandwich beams. Furthermore, it is shown that structurally graded core junctions perform much better than conventional butt junctions under fatigue conditions. Thus, the fatigue life of the sandwich beams with structurally graded core junctions was up to 38% higher than the fatigue life of the sandwich beams with the conventional junction design. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.