Stressed-Skin Panel

Definition

A stressed-skin panel is a panel consisting of two face sheets of wood or metal bonded to perpendicular spacer strips.

Purpose

The purpose of stressed-skin panels is to create strong, lightweight structural components used in construction, providing high stiffness and load-bearing capacity with minimal material usage.

Examples of Use

• In building construction, stressed-skin panels are used for walls, roofs, and floors to enhance structural integrity and energy efficiency.
• Prefabricated homes often incorporate stressed-skin panels for rapid assembly and durability.
• Industrial and commercial buildings use stressed-skin panels for partitions and external walls.

Related Terms

• Sandwich Panel: A composite panel with a core material between two face sheets, similar in function to stressed-skin panels.
• Composite Panel: A panel made from multiple materials to combine their properties for enhanced performance.
• Structural Insulated Panel (SIP): A type of stressed-skin panel with insulating foam between two structural skins.

Notes

Stressed-skin panels offer benefits like high strength-to-weight ratio, thermal insulation, and quick installation, making them popular in modern construction techniques.