Thermal and Mechanical Characterisation of Sandwich Core Materials for Climatic Chamber Shells Subjected to High Temperatures

Climatic chamber testing conditions are becoming more demanding. A wide range of temperatures is used to check the quality products and materials, since they constantly being improved. However, there no literature on how components climatic panels react under high temperatures. The present work therefore sets out perform a thermal mechanical characterisation four core materials often in sandwich panels: balsa wood, mineral wool, polyethylene terephthalate polyurethane rigid foams. focused conductivity specific heat was characterised using an indirect method developed previously by authors simulate real application scenario where one surface subjected temperature, while opposite kept at room temperature. Steady unsteady were analysed up 200 °C. Balsa wool exhibited nonlinear increase with polymeric foams showed linear behaviour. results also increased relation for all tested except terephthalate, which Higher had least effect wood wool. most affected Temperature variation impulse excitation technique. studied 100 °C 160 °C, respectively. elastic modulus decreased After 24 h cooling, tests repeated regained or even its initial value, materials.