A plate or shell type design consisting of two surface plates with a connecting core structure in between is often referred to as a ‘sandwich design’.

There are many advantages to be obtained by using sandwich design; the most important of which are high bending stiffness and strength in relation to weight. The smoothness of surfaces and avoidance of complex lateral stiffening systems are other advantages.

The aerospace industry is the sector that has been the leader in developing efficient materials, designs and production methods for sandwich structures.