Mechanical Performance of Honeycomb Sandwich Structures Using Three-Point Bend Test

Abstract

In this study, honeycomb sandwich structures were prepared and tested. Facesheets of sandwich structures were manufactured by carbon fiber epoxy matrix composites while Nomex® honeycomb was used as core material. An epoxy-based adhesive film was used to bond the composite facesheets with honeycomb core. Four different curing temperatures ranging from 100oC to 130oC were applied with curing times of 2h and 3h. Three-point bend test was performed to investigate the mechanical performance of honeycomb sandwich structures and thus optimize the curing parameters. It was revealed that the combination of a temperature of 110oC along with a curing time of 2h offered the optimum mechanical performance together with low damage in honeycomb core and facesheets.