Composite panel adapted for point compressive loads and method for making same

摘要

A method for making a composite panel includes the step (26) of providing a panel having elongated channels (14) that are positioned along areas of anticipated point compression loading. The panel (10) has a reinforcing fabric layer (41) attached to a non-woven fabric layer (43) forming an outside layer (12). The composite panel has foam core (8,9) within the outside layer. The method further comprises the step (27) of providing structural foam channel inserts (16) having an outer fabric layer (18), wherein the channel inserts have a cross section which matches the cross-sectional profile of each of the elongated channels of the panel. Resin is then applied to the outside layer of the panel and outer fabric layer of the channel inserts such the channel inserts are positioned within the channels of the panel (29 and 31). The resin is then allowed to cure (33) forming a composite structure.