An Experimental Investigation of the Mechanical Response of Nomex Sandwich Composites Under Bending Loads

This study investigated the flexural and strength properties of hybrid sandwich composites by varying skin layer thickness and material. Carbon, glass, and Kevlar fibers were combined in different configurations to examine the impact of laminate material, stacking sequence, and thickness on flexural performance. Results indicated that increasing sandwich composite thickness enhanced flexural strength and toughness. Composites with higher carbon fiber content exhibited superior strength but reduced strain, while those incorporating glass or Kevlar fibers demonstrated improved plasticity at the expense of strength. The optimal combination of flexural strength and toughness was achieved with dry carbon fabric skins. However, the carbon-glass hybrid configuration provided a favorable balance of plasticity and strength. While pure carbon fiber composites exhibited the highest performance, the addition of glass fibers significantly enhanced composite toughness. Thus suggesting, that combining carbon and glass fibers optimizes strength and energy absorption capacity.