Fliegener, S.S.FliegenerRausch, J.J.RauschHohe, J.J.Hohe2022-03-062022-03-062019https://publica.fraunhofer.de/handle/publica/26010810.1016/j.compstruct.2019.111278Objective of the present study is a design study on optimum geometries for load application points for thermoplastic sandwich structures suitable for industrial scale mass production. The design of the loading points is performed using a combined numerical and experimental multi-step approch. In a preliminary numerical study, promising design options are identified using a four-step procedure: starting from an initial concept phase, a trade-off analysis of a variety of design options is performed. Based on the results, the three most promising options are optimized further until a detailed optimization of the leading design option is performed. All design options are chosen such that they can be manufactured in an economic manner using a compression molding process for functionalization of sandwich structures with thermoplastic tape laminates as their face sheets. In a subsequent experimental study, the three most promising options identified in the preliminary numerical design study are re-designed considering manufacturing aspects, manufactured, tested and assessed under quasi-static, creep and fatigue conditions.en620624journal article