FEA Simulation for ASTM C393

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

*work in progress*

Intro

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.

Stackup:

The test specimen I used was a sandwich of a top layer using 3 layers of 0.15 mm prepreg, a 1 inch, 1/2 inch, or 1/4 inch Nomex and a bottom layer again using 3 layers of 0.15mm prepreg.

Figure 1: Picture of the test specimen with fibre directions

The loading condition:

For this simulation, I used a nodal force of 1000 N downwards on the top face. There are also fixed supports on both ends of the specimen, on the bottom face.

Figure 2: Loading and Boundary Conditions

Figure 3: Deformation of sandwich construction (1/4 inch core)

Results:

1/4 Inch Nomex

1/2 Inch Nomex

I Inch Nomex

Below is a table of where the stresses occurred in the 1/4 inch Nomex

Layer	Stress
Top	Comment: Max stress of 64.94 MPa on red area.
Middle	Comment: Max stress of 0.0014185 on red area.
Bottom	Comment: max stress of 72.423 MPa on red area.