Sandwich panel is a structure made of three layers: low-density core inserted in between two relatively thin skin layers. This sandwich setup allows for achieving excellent mechanical performance at minimal weight. The very high rigidity of a sandwich panel is achieved thanks to the interaction of its components under flexural load applied to the panel: core takes the shear loads and creates a distance between the skins which take the in-plane stresses, one skin in tension, the other in compression. General information on sandwich panel structure, different sandwich core types available and the potential with respect to weight savings is available in the following reference.


Applications
Sandwich panels are used in those applications where high structural rigidity and low weight is required. An evident example of the use of sandwich panels is aircraft where mechanical performance and weight saving is essential. Other applications include packaging (e.g. fluted polypropylene boards of polypropylene honeycomb boards), transportation and automotive, as well as building & construction.