Reinforced metal/polymer/metal sandwich composites with improved properties

Composite parts as sandwich structures are specifically used in applications for automotive, aerospace and vehicle industries. 316L/PP-PE/316L composites were investigated because of high stiffness and strength, good forming behaviour and damping properties. For thermal and mechanical joining additionally local plate reinforcing elements (RE) in the polymer core of the sandwich were placed and their forming behaviour and limits were studied by deep drawing and bending processes. The experimental and theoretical analyses of failure mechanisms of sandwich plates without and with various RE were also investigated. Due to the material, size, shape and position of the local inlays the forming behaviour of the sandwich composites by deep drawing is strongly influenced. The position of local inlays e. g. in head, edge or flange regions of sandwich cup after deep drawing strongly influences the forming and flow behaviour of RE as well as sandwich composite areas. Results will be given.