Fastener insert for a composite sandwich panel, a panel assembly, and a method of fastening a component to a composite sandwich panel

A panel assembly comprising:

• a composite sandwich panel including:
• a core;
• a first skin covering a first side of the core;
• and
• a second skin covering an opposing second side of the core, the composite sandwich panel defining an opening extending through the core, the first skin, and the second skin, the opening having a perimeter;
• and
• a fastener insert configured to mechanically secure to the composite sandwich panel at the opening, the fastener insert including:
• a base having a body extending into the opening in the composite sandwich panel, an outer perimeter of the body matching a perimeter of the opening in the composite sandwich panel, the base having a flange integral with the body and extending laterally outward of the opening in the composite sandwich panel exterior to the first skin, the base defining a central cavity extending entirely through the body and the flange, and the base including a first locking feature disposed at the central cavity;
• and
• a fastener carrier configured to insert into the central cavity of the base, the fastener carrier defining a fastener opening, the fastener carrier having a second locking feature configured for mechanical engagement with the first locking feature of the base to retain the fastener carrier in the base.