Work

Fixture-assisted vibration low-pressure curing: an approach for solidification and molding of honeycomb sandwich structures

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives The influence of rigid fixtures on the molding quality of honeycomb sandwich structures under vibration low-pressure curing is investigated. Methods Honeycomb sandwich panels were fabricated with and without fixtures under vibration accelerations of 5, 10, and 15 g. The effects on face sheet quality, porosity, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), and dimensional deformation were systematically evaluated and compared with autoclave molding. Results Fixtures applied at 10 g vibration acceleration reduced face sheet porosity by 29.4%, increased ILSS by 14.5%, and significantly improved face sheet flatness relative to vibration curing without fixtures. The obtained performance was comparable to that of a 0.2 MPa autoclave curing process. Conclusion Fixture-assisted vibration low-pressure curing is demonstrated as an effective approach for energy-efficient and high-quality molding of honeycomb sandwich structures.

Source: Composite Design and Manufacturing

DOI: 10.1093/cdm/wqag011

Authors: Ruitong Yu, Lihua Zhan, Bolin Ma, Miaomiao Zhang, Zheng Cao

Institution: Central South University

Language: English

Topic: Cellular and Composite Structures

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key Research and Development Program of China