Fatigue behavior of Al-Nomex sandwich panels

Abstract: Fatigue behaviour of Aluminium-Nomex sandwich panels submitted to shear loads has been analysed. In particular fatigue tests for different geometric configuration (skin thickness and offset, honeycomb core density) have been executed, evaluating the fatigue Wöhler curve. Each specimen has been tested inside a dedicated picture frame shear test fixture to apply a fully shear load; all the specimens have been subjected to a variable load (sine wave) with a load ratio R = 0.05 and have been instrumented with strain gauges. A FEM model of a series of panels has been developed. The analytical results have been in good agreement with the experimental data and allow comparing the fatigue behaviour of the panels with the skins material fatigue behaviour reported in literature. Critical descriptions of the tests and results are reported.