Experimental validation of the Higher-Order Theory approach for sandwich panels with flexible core materials

During tthe 1990's the higher-order theory was developed by Frostig to enable detailed stress analyses of sandwich panel structures. To investigate the potentials of this approach experiments are performed on sandwich panels made of thin steel faces and mineral wool or polystyrene core material. A proposal for a useful prediction model based on the higher-order theory is discussed in this paper. Essential failure criteria methods to determine material properties and calculation procedures are reviewed. To validate the prediction model various details of sandwich panels near a support are analysed and tested. The results of these analyses and tests are presented. It is concluded that the predicted strengths and deformations agree very well with the test results. Based on this, recommendations for design rules will be propose