Delamination Suppression in Sandwich Beams Using Translaminar Reinforcements

Abstract

The present study is concerned with translaminar reinforcement in a sandwich beam for preventing buckling of a delaminated face-sheet under axial compression. Graphite/epoxy pins are used as reinforcement in the thickness direction of sandwich beams consisting of graphite/epoxy face-sheets and a Aramid honeycomb core. Compression tests are performed to understand the effects of the diameter of the reinforcing pins and reinforcement spacing on the ultimate compressive strength of the delaminated beams. A finite element analysis is performed to understand the effects of translaminar reinforcement on the critical buckling loads and post-buckling behavior of the sandwich beam under axial compression.