(a) Briefly describe sandwich panels. (b) What is the prime reason for fabricating these structural composites? (c) What are the functions of the faces and the core?

a) Brief description of sandwich panels Sandwich panels are composite materials constructed by sandwiching a lightweight core material between two strong and stiff face materials. They are designed to provide a lightweight, strong, and stiff construction component, with the core typically made of low-density materials like foam or honeycomb and the faces made of materials such as metal, plastic, or fiberglass. b) Prime reason for fabricating sandwich panels The main reason for fabricating sandwich panels is to create a lightweight, yet strong and stiff, construction material that provides exceptional mechanical properties at a relatively low weight. This is important in applications such as aerospace, automotive, and building construction where weight and structural performance are critical factors. c) Functions of the faces and the core 1. Faces: The faces of the sandwich panel provide the panel with strength and stiffness, enabling it to resist bending or other loads applied to the panel. They also act as a barrier to protect the core material from environmental factors and mechanical loads. 2. Core: The core provides the panel with thickness and overall stiffness without adding significant weight to the structure. It helps to absorb energy, distribute loads evenly across the panel, and in some cases provide thermal or acoustic insulation.