Influence of Geometric Parameters on Flatwise Compression Properties of a Novel Lattice Sandwich

Fiber reinforced composite lattice sandwich structures are lightweight attractive for their excellent mechanical properties. It is an ideal option for the bulkhead of the superstructure of a ship. In this paper, a new sandwich panel with an orthogonal corrugate lattice core was investigated experimentally, theoretically, and numerically. Its flatwise compression properties were tested. And the influence of the geometry of the lattice core was discussed. The results showed that local matrix compression damage and delamination caused by compression at the rib corner were an initial failure in compression. The final failure was rib fracture in the experiment. Simulated and predicted modulus matched the experiment well with relative errors of 14.61% and 10.03%, respectively. The compressive strength in the simulation was 2.86% higher than that in the experiment. Compression properties were linearly dependent on the relative density of the lattice core. The compressive modulus and strength were most sensitive to the radius of arc transition at the rib corner.