Mechanical properties of the wood-based X-type lattice sandwich structure

In this study, a wood-based X-type lattice sandwich structure was fabricated by an insertion glue method using medium density fiberboard (MDF) and plywood as panels. Birch was used for the core. The mechanical properties and failure modes of the wood-based X-type lattice sandwich structure were investigated by an out-of-plane compressive test, a short beam shear test, and their matching analytical models. The out-of-plane compressive test and the compression analytical model showed that the failure mode of the plywood and birch combination was mainly shear failure in the core. The cores were broken or had sliding surfaces, while the failure mode of the MDF and birch combination was mainly shear failure of the core at both ends. Although the compression properties of the MDF and birch combination were better, the specific strength and modulus of the plywood and birch combination was larger, which align with the characteristics of lightweight and strong strength. The failure mode of the plywood and birch combination was delamination at both ends of the panel or core breakage, which indicated that this combination had better short beam shear properties. The theoretical models of the compressive /short beam shear properties were in good agreement with experimental results obtained for the plywood and birch combination.