Structural FEM analysis of innovative sandwich configuration for automotive application

A sandwich structure (composite) consists of three main parts: two thin, stiff, and strong faces and a thick, light, and weaker core. The faces are adhesively bonded to the core to obtain a load transfer between the components. The basic advantage of sandwich structures (composite) is its high strength to weight ratio, high resistance to corrosion and impact, good insulation to acoustic and heat. This thesis research is based on Madflex, an innovative technology in the field of sandwich that after receiving some changes in the core geometry, it enables this sandwich to be flexible, even rollable in one direction of bending and in the opposite side, it is totally rigid. In this research, as the first step, we have performed the experimental test on different samples of Madflex in two different directions of flexural according to the ASTM D7250/D7250M Standard, then we have made a FEM model simulation of Madflex in the NASTRAN program and applied bending test to later compare the results with the experiment test performed in the laboratory. The feasibility of the Madflex application in the automotive section has also been investigated as a spoiler (wing) aerodynamic feature.