FEA Simulation for ASTM C393

https://uwmidsun.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/MECH/pages/2066317358/ASTM+C393+Standard+Test+Method+for+Shear+Strength

This page will show the simulation results for a 3-point bend test on 75 x 200 mm sandwich construction with various core thicknesses. The purpose of this test is to obtain the compressive strength and from that compressive strength, calculate shear strength. We will use the results from this simulation to compare with our in-person results to see if they conform to our standards.

The test specimen I used was a sandwich of a top layer using 3 layers of prepreg, a 1 inch, 1/2 inch, or 1/4 inch nomex and a bottom layer again using 3 layers of prepreg

The loading condition:

For this test will be a displacement of -18mm on the middle of the top face of the test specimen.

Figure 1: Picture of the test specimen

Figure 2: Fixed supports attempting to emulate the test setup from the ASTM standard (pictured below)

Figure 3: Displacement of -18mm attempting to emulate the test setup for the ASTM standard

Figure 4: Deformation of sandwich construction (1/2 inch core)

Results:

1/4 Inch Nomex

1/2 Inch Nomex

I Inch Nomex

Below are the three pictures of each layer, going from top to bottom. I haven’t included all three thicknesses of Nomex as all of them look pretty much the same so I didn’t feel the need to include them all, these pictures will give an example of where the max/minimum stresses occur.

Figure 5: Top Layer

Figure 6: Middle Layer

Figure 7: Bottom Layer