Failure behavior of inserts in sandwich panels under pull-out loading

In this paper foam-based sandwich joints are studied under pull-out loading through experimental and numerical analyses. Two different types of insert including reinforced and unreinforced inserts are tested. From experimental results observed that the failure modes of sandwich with reinforced insert are the combination of different failure modes, such as debonding of insert from composite laminate, shear failure of core, debonding of potting from core and composite laminate failure. A finite element analysis using ABAQUS 6.11 is also conducted to predict failure load of insert joints. The load capability of insert joints that measured by experimental and numerical methods are shown that the potting material in reinforced insert have a significant effect in the failure load of the joint. By comparison of the failure load in both types of the inserts, it could be obtained that in some specimens the potting material leads to 127.3% increase in failure load.