Parameterization of core plug replacement properties for flexural performance optimization of repaired composite honeycomb sandwich panel

As lightweight structures, composite sandwich panels are distinguished by their significant flexural performances, which make them suitable for lightweight design applications, especially in the aerospace industry. These structures are very prone to different damages, which affects the structure’s performance. In this study, the numerical three-point bending test is carried out to evaluate the flexural performance of the damaged and repaired panel by comparing it with the intact panel values. The response surface methodology (RSM) is then adopted to analyze the core plug replacement properties’ effect on the flexural performances of the repaired honeycomb sandwich panel. Adequate models between the core plug replacement design parameters and the repaired panel flexural responses are built and discussed. In addition, aiming to determine the optimized core plug replacement parameters of the proposed repaired panel flexural performances, an optimization technique is implemented.