Damage tolerance of composite sandwich structure

The paper discusses the damage tolerance characteristics of a closed cell foam sandwich structure skin to core interface. This includes an experimental investigation to identify the associated failure modes and mechanisms. This sandwich structure was developed by Sundstrand Aerospace and features a novel fusion bonded morphology. The structural configuration may offer improved fabrication and damage tolerance characteristics. This paper shall present results of hygroscopic testing, peel testing, shear testing and ballistic evaluation.