Finite element prediction of stress-strain fields on sandwich composites

The main objective of this study was the assessment of the stress-strain fields of the sandwich core during bending tests. Finite element models (FEM) using Siemens NX10 and digital image correlation (DIC) were used to predict the behavior of sandwich beams in 3 and 4 point bending. Two different core thickness and two different sandwich length (short and long beams) with basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) faces were simulated. The numerical simulation using 3D finite element were compared and validated with experimental results obtained previously by DIC. This work validated innovative numerical simulations and experimental techniques for determining stress-strain fields in composite sandwich beams subjected to bending. The correlation between experience and analysis allowed a better knowledge and understanding of the complex stress-strain fields along the core thickness of sandwich beams in bending.