Test method for measuring strength of a curved sandwich beam

Flexural Strength of Curved Sandwich Beams with Face/Core Debond

“…From the geometry of the loading, Figure 4, an expression for the couple moment may be derived, see [2].…”

“…An alternate loading fixture for testing of curved sandwich beams was recently examined by the current authors [2]. Similar to Smidt [1], we considered a specimen in the shape of a 90 bend connected to straight legs, but different from Smidt, we used a continuous sandwich specimen without load introducing steel beams attached.…”

“…The two previous studies [1,2] were concerned with failure of sandwich beams with a foam core under opening and closing moments. Smidt [1] identified the radial extensional stress ( r ) as the critical stress component in curved sandwich beams subjected to bending.…”

“…Smidt [1] identified the radial extensional stress ( r ) as the critical stress component in curved sandwich beams subjected to bending. Under opening moments, r is in tension ( r > 0) which leads to core cracking [1,2]. In our previous study of sandwich beams under opening moments [2], it was found that failure occurred by fracture of the core near the upper face/core (F/C) interface.…”

“…Under opening moments, r is in tension ( r > 0) which leads to core cracking [1,2]. In our previous study of sandwich beams under opening moments [2], it was found that failure occurred by fracture of the core near the upper face/core (F/C) interface. In beams loaded by closing moments, Smidt [1] found that the inner face buckled inwards due to radial compression of the core ( r <0).…”