FREE VIBRATION ANALYSIS IN INNOVATIVE 3D PRINTING SANDWICH PANAELS FOR AIRCRAFT STRUCTURE

Sandwich panel structures are composed of three layers: core and two facings. The configuration of the core deeply influences the mechanical properties of the sandwich panel. Numerous innovative core shapes have been proposed to enhance these properties; however, many have not been implemented due to manufacturing difficulties, particularly spherical shapes. This research aims to address this manufacturing challenge by utilizing 3D printing technology to produce sandwich panels with a spherical core. Additionally, the study investigates the effects of varying design parameters like sphere diameter, offset distance and face thickness on the free vibration features of the sandwich panels experimentally and numerically. Experimental tests validated the finite element models with an error margin below 12%. The key parameters explored were spherical diameter (3-12mm), offset distance (10-33mm), and face thickness (1-5mm). The results demonstrate a direct correlation between these parameters and the sandwich beam natural frequency.