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 100o C to 130o C 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 110o C along with a curing time of 2h offered the optimum mechanical performance together with low damage in honeycomb core and facesheets.