Determination and modeling of bending properties for continuous fiber reinforced C/C-SiC sandwich structure with grid core

The sandwich structures based on continuous fiber reinforced grid cores and skin panels have been developed via Liquid Silicon Infiltration (LSI) and in situ joining methods. Because of its excellent specific stiffness and temperature resistance, these lightweight structures have a sound potential for various application areas such as aerospace and construction industries. In this study, the characterization of the mechanical performance of grid core structures for continuous fiber reinforced C/C-SiC sandwich composites under four-point-bending load is presented. The effective bending and shear stiffness and the deflection at mid-span of the sandwich structure are determined and compared through experimental, analytical and FE-simulation (Finite Element simulation) approaches. The comparison showed good correlation. The analytical and FE-simulation approaches have been further used to study the parameter effects and the influence of the different grid core structures on the bending properties respectively. The proposed different approaches are suitable to determine and simulate the mechanical properties of C/C-SiC sandwich structures and are versatile tools for further product development.