Static and Low Velocity Impact Behavior of Composite Sandwich Panels with an Aluminum Foam Core

Abstract

The static and low velocity impact response of aluminum foam based sandwich structures manufactured using thermoplastic composite skins has been studied. The three-point bend (3PB) test geometry was used to evaluate the static properties of the sandwich structures. An examination of the quasi-statically tested specimens revealed failure modes such as indentation, core yielding, and face wrinkling. The low velocity impact behavior of the sandwich systems was investigated using an instrumented dropping weight impact tower and modeled using an energy balance approach. Experimental results revealed that these systems exhibited excellent energy absorbing characteristics under dynamic loading conditions. Furthermore, it has been shown that a simple energy balance model based on the dissipation of energy during the impact event can be used to successfully model the low velocity impact response of the composite reinforced sandwich structures. A breakdown of the energy dissipation revealed that thermoplastic composite reinforced aluminum foam sandwich structures absorb much of the impact energy due to the bending and contact effects.