CTE’S POLYNOMIAL CURVES OF A THIN COMPOSITE SANDWICH

Abstract

This paper presents coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE’s) polynomial tendency curves of rank two in case of a thin composite sandwich structure with dissimilar skins. This structure presents following layers: 1 layer – RT500 glass roving fabric/ 2 layers – RT800 glass roving fabric/ 1 layer – CSM450 chopped strand mat/ 1 layer – nonwoven polyester mat/ 1 layer – CSM450 chopped strand mat/ 1 layer – gelcoat. Thermal expansions have been measured using a DIL 420 PC dilatometer from NETZSCH GmbH, on both glass fabric reinforced polyester skin and for the whole structure. The coefficients of thermal expansion have been experimentally determined only for the structure’s upper skin.