THE INFLUENCE OF FRP INSERTS ON THE ENERGY-ABSORPTION OF A FOAM-COREDSANDWICH PANEL

This paper describes an experimental investigation into the energy abs orption properties of a foam-cored sandwich panel with integral fibre- reinforced plastic (FRP) tubes and frusta. The panels were tested unde r quasi-static flatwise compression and a number of different insert g eometries were examined. By using X-ray analysis it was found that tho se panels with inserts which failed by stable progressive brittle frac ture exhibited the best specific energy absorptions. Inserts which fai led catastrophically led to much lower values. Conical inserts were fo und to offer the most repeatable performance as their geometry assiste d in ensuring consistency of manufacture. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Lt d.