Experimental characterization of phenolic-impregnated honeycomb sandwich structures for transportation vehicles

In the present paper the main outcomes of an experimental characterization on phenolic impregnated honeycomb sandwich structures are presented. The experimental investigations addressed both the static and dynamic properties of novel sandwich material, manufactured expressly for transportation industry and both the structural and impact behavior of the sandwich configuration. Moreover in order to fulfill design requirements, the prediction of the material properties and structural behaviors of sandwich structures due to environmental degradation have been assessed using accelerated aging tests. The outcomes herein presented provide information for the modification of design parameters to minimize the influences of the environmental factors and the adverse effect of in-service impact events.