Papers by Author: E.E. Gdoutos

Abstract: The nonlinear load-displacement and normal stress distribution in composite sandwich beams made of unidirectional carbon/epoxy facings and PVC foam cores under bending was studied. The carbon/epoxy after an initial linear response exhibits a stiffening nonlinearity in tension and a softening nonlinearity in compression with the longitudinal strength in tension higher than that in compression. The foam core also presents a nonlinear stress-strain response. It was obtained that the load-displacement behaviour of the beam, after an initial linear part, is not linear. This behavior was modeled by an incremental strength of materials nonlinear analysis. The theoretical predictions were in good agreement with the experimental results. Furthermore, it was obtained that the neutral axis of sandwich beams under bending does not pass through the centroid of the cross section, but is displaced toward the tensile side of the beam. Experimental results by moiré measurements of the in-plane horizontal displacements of the core material corroborated the analytical predictions. These findings imply higher compressive and smaller tensile stresses in the core, than those predicted for facings with identical stress-strain behaviour in tension and compression, and should be taking into consideration in the failure analysis of sandwich beams.

Abstract: A thorough investigation of the failure mechanisms of composite sandwich beams under four- and three-point bending and cantilever beams was undertaken. The beams were made of unidirectional carbon/epoxy (AS4/3501-6) facings and a PVC closed-cell foam (Divinycell) core. Two types of core material H100 and H250 with densities 100 and 250 kg/m3, respectively, were used. The failure modes investigated are face sheet compressive failure, core failure and facing wrinkling. The various modes have been studied separately and both initiation and ultimate failure have been determined. Initiation of a particular failure mode and triggering and interaction with other failure modes was also investigated.

Abstract: Facing compressive failure, facing wrinkling and core shear failure are the most commonly encountered failure modes in sandwich beams with facings made of composite materials. The occurrence and sequence of these failure modes depends on the geometrical dimensions, the form of loading and type of support of the beam. In this paper the above three failure modes in sandwich beams with facings made of carbon/epoxy composites and cores made of aluminum honeycomb and two types of foam have been investigated. Two types of beams, the simply supported and the cantilever have been considered. Loading included concentrated and uniform. It was found that in beams with foam core facing wrinkling and core shear failure occur, whereas in beams with honeycomb core facing compressive failure and core shear crimping take place. Results were obtained for the dependence of failure mode on the geometry of the beam and the type of loading. The critical beam spans for failure mode transition from core shear to wrinkling failure were established. It was found that initiation of a particular failure mode depends on the properties of the facing and core materials, the geometrical configuration and loading of composite sandwich beams.