Glossary · Hull & structure
Sandwich construction
Also called: Construction sandwich, sandwich, nid d'abeille, honeycomb, Nomex, mousse, âme
A panel made of two composite skins bonded on either side of a light core.
Like a surfboard or an I-beam, a sandwich panel holds two strong skins apart with a light core: foam, balsa or honeycomb (Nomex, aluminium). The result is high stiffness for very little weight.
It is the standard build for racing hulls and decks. Its weak point: an impact can separate the skins from the core (delamination), damage that may not show from outside.