Work

Bending response and failure mechanisms of composite sandwich panels with different cruciform stiffener configurations

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Cruciform stiffener intersections connect orthogonal load paths in composite sandwich decks, but their construction details can introduce competing failure mechanisms. Three-point bending tests and progressive-damage simulations were used to compare two complete manufacturing configurations, with three specimens tested for each. Configuration C used integral CFRP wrapping, whereas configuration D combined interrupted longitudinal stiffeners, interleaved ply overlaps and a secondary overlaminate. The sample mean peak loads were 57.30 kN for C and 66.86 kN for D, while the peak-load coefficient of variation increased from 7.22% to 14.38%. Their loading-interval stiffnesses were comparable. The observed failures differed: C developed a transverse fracture band in the wrapping laminate at the stiffener base, whereas D exhibited separation along the overlaminate side-wall connections. The simulations associated the major load drops with local tensile failure of the wrapping laminate in C and expanding interface degradation in D. Peak loads were reproduced more closely than peak displacements and post-peak responses; the predicted damage sequences therefore provide qualitative interpretations of the observed failures. These results identify different critical regions for the two connection constructions under quasi-static bending.

Source: Applied Ocean Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.apor.2026.105318

Authors: Jiqian Zheng, Zhiting Xu, Yang Lv, Guijie Shi, Deyu Wang

Institutions: Shanghai Jiao Tong University, State Key Laboratory of Ocean Engineering, Marine Design & Research Institute of China

Language: English

Topic: Mechanical Behavior of Composites

Subfield: Mechanics of Materials

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,950

Funder: Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality