Innovative Stainless Steel Applications in transport ... - Euro Inox

limited number of static bending tests until fracture would also be performed with this
arrangement, before comparing the bending behaviour of all three panel types.
The dimensions of the panel sections were based on the available universal testing load
frames. The 21”, 535 mm spacing between the load-frame columns sets the maximum
specimen width. On the other hand, the number of longitudinal core elements has to be
odd, in order to introduce the loading tool on a core rather than on the unsupported sheet
surface between them. This resulted in a section width of 500 mm, accommodating fivehollow-section
and three Vf-core elements. Correspondingly, the span length was
primarily determined by the odd number of transverse core elements between the
supports, resulting in a span of 800 mm.
Figure 61 shows the longitudinal static three-point bending test results of different panel
types. It can be clearly seen that the V-core panel is the stiffest panel in the early stages
of the elastic region, which is the most important area in terms of practical load-bearing
applications. The force required to achieve an L/300 (i.e. 2.67 mm) displacement is
about 50 % higher than for the O- or Vf-type panels and the slope is about 20 % higher,
even if the bottom sheet is thinner.
Stress (kN/m 2 )
300
250
200
150
100
50
Figure 61. Load-displacement curves and panel weights of three different panel types.
As mentioned earlier, the defined fatigue-loading situation originates from the
attachment of an underfloor equipment box. Converted to panel-section testing, this
99
133 kN/m 2 / 33.4 kg/m 2
262 kN/m 2 / 36.4 kg/m 2
226 kN/m 2 / 36.6 kg/m 2
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Displacement (mm)
O-3-0
Vf-4-3
V-core