Evaluation of mechanical properties and energy absorption of polyurethane foam core sandwich panels with kevlar/basalt-epoxy laminates as face sheets

Abstract

Sandwich panels are extensively used in aeronautical field due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and better energy absorption. In this study, the sandwich panels are fabricated with Kevlar (K) and basalt (B) fibres as face sheets as it has high strength, and thermal stability with polyurethane (PU) foam as core material and investigations are performed to evaluate the energy absorption and mechanical properties of the sandwich panels. The plates are fabricated using compression moulding method. Tests such as inter laminar shear strength test, edge wise compression test, flammability test, drop-weight impact test are performed, and the obtained results are compared. Plate 2 (Kevlar/Kevlar/PU Foam/Kevlar/Kevlar) shows a better shear strength as 4.38N/mm2 and better energy absorption capability whereas, Plate 3 (Basalt/Kevlar/PU Foam/Kevlar/Basalt) shows more compressive strength with value of 13.4N/mm2. Plate 1 (Basalt/Basalt/PU Foam/Basalt/Basalt) shows faster propagation speed when it is in contact with fire.