Sandwich structures made of core material with low stiffness bonded to a facial sheet with high stiffness are often used in the design of light weight structures. These structures are also used for high energy absorption by allowing progressive failure of the facial material.

In this research we will investigate failure modes of sandwich structures made of foam material at the core bonded to aluminum strips. We will investigate the effect of core thickness on the failure of these composite under bending and compression. In addition we will investigate the effect of defects in bonding on the failure modes. The defects could be in the form of delamination with various size in the facial material. We will also try to simulate
these failure modes through computer simulations. The mechanical properties of the sandwich components will be obtained experimentally.

You will be involved with various mechanical testing equipment. Some basic knowldege of specimens preparation and data acquistion will be helpful. We expect you be familiar with the Excel. Knowledge of computer and Matlab will be very helpful.

Core Design for Energy Absorption in Sandwich Composites
SCOTT E. STAPLETON AND DANIEL O. ADAMS,
Journal of composte Materials, Janurary 2009. page 175-190.