CHARACTERIZATION OF MULTIFUNCTIONAL SANDWICH COMPOSITE MATERIALS

The study, performed in Dallara facilities, focus on the characterization and feasibility of carbon composite sandwich panels for automotive bodywork, using super thin solid foams as an alternative to traditional honeycomb structures. The aim is to assess the potential advantages of these foams, such as improved lightness, stiffness, and energy absorption, compared to commonly used monolithic panels. The research involves a comprehensive analysis of the mechanical and structural properties of each material, complemented by FEM simulations to validate the data and determine the optimal layup for both carbon skins and foam types. Finally, a complex component is fabricated to evaluate the foam's drapability and the practical applicability of this solution in real-world automotive components.