Theoretical and experimental analysis of asymmetric sandwich structures

A new technology known as asymmetric sandwich structures is now used for the design of lightweight structures. Static failure tests demonstrate the high performance of this technology and show its original mechanical behavior. Due to this complex mechanical behavior, the use of non-linear finite element models in the pre-project phase is a long, expensive process. This paper presents a specific theory which enables faster design loops. The theory is first validated by comparison to numerical models and is then used to correlate structural tests on asymmetric sandwich plate under combined compression/shear loadings. The tests were conducted on original test equipment designed to investigate the capabilities of this technology.