Structural Response of Polyethylene Foam-Based Sandwich Panels Subjected to Edgewise Compression

Abstract

This study analyzes the mechanical behavior of low density polyethylene foam core sandwich panels subjected to edgewise compression. In order to monitor panel response to buckling, strains generated in the facesheets and overall out-of-plane deformations are measured with strain gages and projection moiré, respectively. A finite element (FE) model simulating the experimental test is developed. Numerical results are compared with moiré measurements. After having been validated against experimental evidence, the FE model is parameterized, and a trade study is carried out to investigate to what extent the structural response of the panel depends on the sandwich wall construction and facesheet/core interface defects. The projection moiré set-up utilized in this research is able to capture the sudden and very localized buckling phenomena occurring under edgewise compression of foam-based sandwich panels. Results of parametric FE analyses indicate that, if the total thickness of the sandwich wall is fixed, including thicker facesheets in the laminate yields a larger deflection of the panel that becomes more sensitive to buckling. Furthermore, the mechanical response of the foam sandwich panel is found to be rather insensitive to the level of waviness of core-facesheet interfaces.

Viscosity contrast effects on the structure – Property relationship of multilayer soft film/foams

“…In addition, a number of research works have been carried out to improve the performance of PE foams such as by adding small amounts of micro or nano particles [12][13][14][15][16] or by sandwiching them in between two rigid polymers [17][18][19]. Such PE foam composites exhibited improved thermal and mechanical behavior [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19].…”

Impact response of polyethylene sandwich panel obtained by rotational moulding

“…The material model behaviour was fitted to previous experimental data obtained on the same material . Figure a shows the comparison between the axial tension behaviour of the polyethylene skins and elasto‐plastic numerical model response.…”

Critical Buckling Load of Thin-Walled Plastic Cylinders in Axial and Radial Loading: Overview and FEA Case Study

“…Heim et al [44] combining plastic components and foams to reduce the mass of vehicles, while increasing the safety, stiffness, and crushing resistance. Ashrafi et al [45], Tuwair et al [46], and Boccaccio et al [6] explored the use of foam to stiffen and strengthen honeycomb panels, particularly for aerospace applications. Several studies were also performed using polyurethane foam to strengthen various types of conical and cylindrical tubes, including those made from aluminum [47,48], brass [49], and steel [45,50].…”

“…Thin-walled elements such as domes, shells, plates, and membranes are widely used in engineering design, as they allow the construction of strong but relatively light-weight structures in many applications [1,2]. The most common applications are to the design of load-bearing structures, such as buildings subjected to high winds and earthquakes [3,4], and aircraft [5,6], where strength, flexibility, and low mass are vital. Other applications include boats and ships, piping, pressure vessels, tanks, and machine components.…”