Moisture-uptake induced internal stresses in balsa core sandwich composite plate: Modeling and experimental

Hygro-Thermo-Mechanical Responses of Balsa Wood Core Sandwich Composite Beam Exposed to Fire

“…If balsa wood immersed in water, the moisture will absorb in two ways: the first water floods in free volumes (cracks, hollow fibers) and the second moisture diffuses the dense material. Thus, in the single balsa wood, the moisture is quickly absorbed, and the moisture content obtained is high [6,7]. In the case of balsa as the core material in sandwich composite structures, the skins acted as waterproof barriers, and infusion resin made full an important amount of hollow fibers for the moisture's viable passage.…”

“…Measurements in extreme conditions are facing scientific challenges to spot the properties of materials, and a technical challenge to apply new materials. Obviously, the increasing use of composites has reached a level that these materials compete with conventional materials such as steel and aluminium alloys in diverse areas, particularly aeronautics, aerospace and the shipbuilding industry due to their advantages in physical, chemical and mechanical properties [3][4][5][6].…”

“…Compared to other materials, organic matrix composites have low density, high specific stiffness and strength, good fatigue endurance and outstanding resistance to corrosion. However, there are several disadvantages compared to metals that include low impact tolerance, low fire performance and anisotropic properties [5][6][7][8]. Hence, the study on the effect of composite material properties under extreme conditions is needed to understand the behaviour and to optimize their properties.…”

“…Hence, the study on the effect of composite material properties under extreme conditions is needed to understand the behaviour and to optimize their properties. In the marine industry, the use of a sandwich structure consisting of a lightweight core made of polymer foam or balsa wood surrounded by thin stiff composite skins made of fiberglass and a major polymer as vinyl ester, epoxy or polyester, is common [5][6][7][8]. These combinations allowed a construction of an extraordinarily lightweight, durable and rigid structure.…”

Sandwich and Natural fiber composites - A review

“…As the impact energy is decreased, the Hardness increases for foam core samples compared to balsa wood composites. Vincent Legrand et al [7] investigated the internal stresses induced by moisture absorption in sandwich composite material. Moisture absorption effect was analyzed for balsa core specimens and sandwich structures composed of E-glass/polyester face sheets bonded to a balsa core.…”