Composite Sandwich Panel Test Methods

Get precise, reliable insights into the strength, durability, and compliance of your composite sandwich panels with Element’s composite sandwich panel testing services. Whether you’re in aerospace, automotive, or renewable energy, we help ensure your materials meet the demands of real-world performance and strict regulatory standards.

composite sandwich panel test to ASTM standards

What is Composite Sandwich Panel Testing at Element?

Composite sandwich panels combine thin, stiff face sheets bonded to lightweight cores, creating structures with exceptional strength-to-weight ratios. At Element, we provide mechanical testing services specifically designed to evaluate these complex constructs as complete units, measuring critical properties including tensile strength, shear resistance, compression behavior, and bonding integrity—essential data for applications demanding both performance and weight reduction.

Two Element testing experts in laboratory safety equipment ready for testing

What Can Element Offer You For Composite Sandwich Panel Test Methods?

Key Tests Offered

We deliver a comprehensive suite of mechanical tests tailored to sandwich structures, giving you actionable data for compliance and performance verification.

Our test capabilities include:

Flatwise tensile (ASTM C297)

Core shear / plate shear (ASTM C273)

Bending (ASTM C393)

In-plane and out-of-plane compression (ASTM C364/C365)

Adhesive bond peel (ASTM D1781)

Fatigue testing with impact flaws for damage growth assessment

Components and Materials We Test

Element tests complete sandwich panel constructs, ensuring all layers are represented—from outer skin to core and adhesive. This means you get real-world insights into how the full system performs, not just isolated components.

We test:

Composite sandwich panels (combined skin and core)

Lightweight core materials (e.g., honeycomb, foam)

Face sheets / outer skins

Adhesive bond layers

Methods and Solutions Offered

Our experts execute testing using industry-standard ASTM methods, with configurations designed to replicate service conditions. Whether you need quality control, certification, or performance diagnostics, we tailor our approach to your specific project goals.

Solutions include:

Realistic failure analysis (core, skin, adhesive)

Picture frame configurations for in-plane shear

Testing specimens at various spans and loads

Development of next-gen peel testing methodologies

Cutting-Edge Equipment We Use

Element uses advanced testing rigs and fixturing to simulate operational forces accurately. Our labs are equipped for both standard and high-load testing, ensuring we can handle panels of all sizes and performance needs.

Our equipment includes:

Load frames for high-force tensile and compression

Climbing drum peel fixtures

Picture frame shear setups

Custom jigs for variable span bend testing

Standards we test to and materials we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!

ASTM C297 (Out of plane/Flatwise tensile)

ASTM C273 (Core shear/Plate shear testing)

ASTM C393 (Bend testing sandwich materials)

ASTM C364 (In-plane/edgewise compression)

ASTM C365 (Out-of-plane/flatwise compression)

ASTM D1781 (Adhesive bond testing)

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

Simulating Real-World Conditions

We run fatigue and damage tolerance tests including induced flaws to simulate real-world stresses in service, giving you confidence in your design’s durability.

Ensuring ASTM Compliance

Our composite testing services adhere strictly to ASTM methods like C297, C273, and D1781, helping you meet stringent industry certification requirements.

Testing Full Panel Constructs

Rather than testing parts in isolation, we assess your full panel structure including skins, core, and bonds giving you data that truly reflects field performance.

Verifying Bond Integrity

Adhesive failure can be costly. We test peel strength and bond quality using climbing drum peel (ASTM D1781), ensuring strong, reliable bonding across your panel layers.