Development of the hybrid insert for composite sandwich satellite structures

• Published in: Composites. Part A, Applied science and manufacturing Vol. 42; no. 8; pp. 1040 - 1048
• Main Authors: Lim, Jun Woo, Lee, Dai Gil
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: A. Carbon fiber; Application fields; Applied sciences; Assembly; B. Strength; Carbon; composite materials; D. Mechanical testing; E. Joints/joining; Exact sciences and technology; finite element analysis; Inserts; Mathematical analysis; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Sandwich structures; Satellites; shear strength; Shear tests; Technology of polymers; testing; Weight reduction; B. Strength; D. Mechanical testing; A. Carbon fiber; E. Joints/joining; Laminate; Fiber reinforced material; Epoxy resin; Satellite; Mechanical joint; Mineral fiber; Insert; Cellular plastic; Modeling; Composite material; Finite element method; Adhesive joint; Carbon fiber; Sandwich structure; Mechanical properties; Aluminium alloy; Experimental study; Numerical simulation; Loadbearing capacity; Plastics; Application; Fracture mode
• ISSN: 1359-835X; 1878-5840
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2011.04.008

Composite sandwich structures which are widely employed in satellite structures require many inserts for assembly. In this study, a new lightweight insert for sandwich structures was developed by reinforcing the web of insert with high strength carbon composite to increase the loading capability with reduced mass. Finite element analysis was performed to numerically predict the load capability of the new insert as well as to investigate the effects of the new insert on the structural reliability. The load capability and the failure modes of the composite sandwich structures assembled with the inserts were measured by the pull-out and shear tests and compared with the calculated results.