Experimental and simulation of split semi-torus key in PVC foam core to improve the debonding resistance of composite sandwich panel

• Published in: Materials research express 2018-02, Vol.5 (2), p.25307
• Main Authors: Juliyana, M, Santhana Krishnan, R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: chopped strand mat; debonding; foam core composite structure; Poly vinyl chloride; shear; split semitorus key
• ISSN: 2053-1591; 2053-1591
• DOI: 10.1088/2053-1591/aaac17

The sandwich composite panels consisting of facesheet and core material are used as a primary structural member for aerospace, civil and marine areas due to its high stiffness to weight ratio. But the debonding nature of facesheet from the foam core under shear loading conditions leads to failure of the composite structure. To inhibit the debonding, an innovative methodology of introducing semi-torus key is used in the present study. The polyvinyl chloride foam core(PVC) is grooved and filled with semi-torus shaped chopped strand prepregs which are sandwiched between alternate layers of woven roven(WR) and chopped strand mat(CSM) skins by vacuum infusion process. The sandwich panel manufactured with semi-torus keys is evaluated regarding experimental and numerical simulations under shear loading conditions. The present innovative concept delays the debonding between face-sheet and foam core with enhancement the shear load carrying capability as the initial stiffness is higher than the conventional model. Also, the shear behaviour of the proposed concept is in good agreement with experimental results. The split semi-torus keys sustain the shear failure resulting in resistance to debonding capability.