Here is a great article describing the use of composite sandwich structures in cargo shipping vessels. It goes into detail describing the energy savings from from weight removal and the associated costs.
Here is a brand new US Patent granted to Airbus titled: Locally reinforced core structure for composite sandwich structure and method of producing the same
A Global 500 company is searching for a “material with high-strain rate ductility at low-temperatures and the ability to be powder cast.” This material must be able to be laminated to a foam core material without a need for surface treatment.
More information here.
The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) annual conference is currently in process in Baltimore, MD. So far there have been a few highly informative conference sessions. In the exhibit hall, there seems to be a fair amount of foreign companies in attendance. Overall, the general feeling observed is that the start of 2009 was extremely slow for composite processing, however in the last few months material orders have increased. There is an increased sense of optimism for the use of composites in wind energy, defense, infrastructure, and even aerospace. Many of which composite sandwich panels will play a role.
More info, visit SAMPE
A common composite sandwich structure used every day by people in coastal cities across the world are surfboards. Generally, a shaped polyurethane foam core with a wooden stringer, is laminated by multiple layers of 12oz or 14oz 0/90 e-glass fabric, using a vinyl ester resin.
In recent years, more advanced composites are being integrated into surfboards, below is a video on how lightweight windsurfing boards (aka composite sandwich structures) are made using aerospace grade materials.
Honda Aircraft has been showing off their new ultra-efficient business jet for sometime now, and they are finally nearing FAA certification and full production. The sleek jet is taking pride in its fuel efficiency claiming 15-20% better then similar jets.
Like most new lightweight aircraft, the HondaJet is making full use of composite sandwich structures. In fact, there are claims that Honda cures the entire fuselage at one time in an autoclave…
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Stork Fokker and Airborne Composites have signed a 7 year contract for the design and manufacturing of composite sandwich panels for the Gulfstream G650 aircraft. Airborne Composites is planning on using carbon fiber epoxy skins with a honeycomb core.
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