Buckling analysis of hybrid fiber‐reinforced composite sandwich panels with varying numbers of polyurethane cores

• Published in: Polymer composites Vol. 45; no. 16; pp. 15062 - 15085
• Main Authors: Wang, Shaoqing, Qiao, Yanmei, Song, Yaqin, Zhai, Zhilin, Yang, Guangbao, Guo, Anfu, Qu, Peng, Wang, Guangxue, Wang, Weigang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, USA John Wiley & Sons, Inc 10.11.2024; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: Algorithms; Composite structures; critical buckling loads; Elastic analysis; Elastic buckling; Energy methods; Finite element analysis; finite element analysis (FEA); Finite element method; hybrid fiber‐reinforced composites; Kinematics; Mathematical models; Matrix materials; Modulus of elasticity; multi‐layer polyurethane cores; Parameters; Parametric analysis; Polyurethane resins; Sandwich panels; structure–property relations
• DOI: 10.1002/pc.28821
• ISSN: 0272-8397

Hybrid fiber‐reinforced composite sandwich panels with multi‐layer polyurethane cores are widely applied in aerospace, automotive, construction, and shipbuilding industries. This study aims to investigate the buckling performance of composite structures with varying numbers of polyurethane cores. To achieve this, the buckling loads of these structures are determined using an energy method, microscopic mechanics method, and the first‐order zigzag kinematic model. The accuracy of the equation employed in the algorithm is validated using the finite element method. Additionally, we conduct a parametric analysis to examine the influence of various parameters on the buckling performance of the structures. The results indicate that an effective strategy for improving the critical buckling loads of the hybrid fiber‐reinforced composite sandwich plate involves strategically placing fibers and matrix materials with higher elastic modulus on the skin layer. Moreover, the critical buckling load is notably influenced by the number and positioning of polyurethane layers, as well as the fiber content. Highlights An analytical model is established to predict the buckling behavior. The correctness of the model was verified using the finite element method. Effects of structural parameters on buckling performance were investigated. Effects of structural parameters on buckling performance of hybrid fiber‐reinforced composite sandwich panels.