The effects of temperature on compressive responses and failure behaviors of composite Y-frame cores sandwich structure

The temperature has an important effect on mechanical behaviors of composite Y-frame cores sandwich structure. Therefore, the in-plane compressive behaviors of this structure should be thoroughly studied before it is used in engineering structures. The in-plane compressive tests for Y-frame cores sandwich structure were carried out within the temperature ranged from -70 degrees C to 200 degrees C. The load-deformation curves, deformation modes, and failure load of sandwich structure at various temperatures were compared and discussed. The results revealed that the deformation modes, load-deformation curves, and failure load were closely associated with the testing temperature. The cryogenic temperature caused the increasing of the failure load of Y-frame cores sandwich structure. However, the high temperature caused the degradation of the failure load of Y-frame cores sandwich structure. The in-plane compressive failure load increased from 11.78 to 14.82 kN as the testing temperature fell from 20 degrees C to -70 degrees C while the in-plane compressive failure load decreased from 11.78 to 2.06 kN as the testing temperature increased from 20 degrees C to 200 degrees C. The theoretical expression was also given to forecast the compressive failure load, and the theoretical results would be compared with the experimental results.