Pilot Study on an analytical Sizing Tool Approach for Inserts Load Introductions in Sandwich Elements

Abstract

Primary design requirements for joints in sandwich structures are weight efficiency and often a removability to serve assembly, repair and replacement demands. Bolted local load introductions on sandwich structures using insert elements provide an excellent load carrying capability. Nowadays a variety of standard insert elements is available, offering a reliable performance even though they are often not optimized in terms of net weight. In the optimization process there is a lack on standard sizing procedures to generate adapted basic insert shapes helping to design lightweight local load introductions. Aim of this work is to investigate fundamental statements which are required for a reliable basis for the tool. This paper presents a study of the mathematical formulation provided by [1] and an investigation of its occasionally large differences compared to experimental results. The uncertainty factors in determining maximal carrying forces are discussed and methods for more precise prediction are presented.