Influence of Core Cellular Structures on Collapse Mechanisms Maps of Sandwich Beams

Abstract

The main advantage of 3D printing is manufacturing complex and innovative shapes which guarantee high mechanical properties. Therefore, it is necessary easily figure out the most suitable structure for the required design requirements. The well-known strategy to design sandwich panels is evaluating collapse maps as they determine the panel performances based on their geometrical features. The aim of this study is to update the traditional collapse maps by showing how the core shape can improve the sandwich beam performance. The collapse maps proposed are based on advanced analytical models than the traditional Gibson theories. The analytical modelling of the indentation phenomenon is based on Vlasov’s model. The analytical modelling of the bending phenomenon is based on the First Shear Order Theory. The overall panel stress and strain maps are computed superposing both effects. A composite sandwich panels with Gyroid core based are analyzed to verify the proposed model consistency. A core failure criterion is chosen by experimental testing evidence on the representative core structure. Once the computed stress state overtakes failure criterion ones, the critical load is defined. In the end, the model is exploited to compare the performances of four sandwich panels with cores based on different lattice structures.