Mechanical Performance of Repaired Sandwich Panels: Experimental characterization and Finite-Element Modelling

Abstract

This paper describes the static performance of adhesively bonded repairs on sandwich panels made with carbon-epoxy composite skins and a Nomex core. First, the mechanical behavior of pristine and repaired panels under tensile loading were studied. All tests were conducted at room temperature conditions. Then finite-element analyses were performed to predict the repair strength. Two material models were developed for the adhesive joint: one was linear elastic and the second was elastic-plastic with a shear failure criterion. For the composite skins, an orthotropic linear elastic model was used.