Investigation of Energy Absorption Behavior of Light Sandwich Panel with Nickel/Polymer Open‐Cell Foam Core during Compression

Abstract

This investigation aims to assess the mechanical behavior and energy absorption properties of the light sandwich panels made of open‐cell polymer and nickel/polymer foam. A portion of the ultralightweight foam sandwich panels (14.23 g) is produced by 3D printing and electrodeposition methods with 35, 45, and 55 seeds numbers, which lead to 4, 5, and 6 pores per inch (PPI); then a uniaxial compression test is applied to measure maximum compressive strength, strength‐to‐weight ratio, energy absorption density, efficiency, and complementary energy. The results indicate that compared with typical open‐cell nickel foams and polymer precursors when the thickness of the nickel layer is about 50 micrometers, the aforementioned properties of the sandwich panel shows a significant improvement. Improvement of properties changes by increasing PPI and CAD seed numbers. In a nickel/polymer sandwich panel with 6 PPI, the first maximum compressive strength, specific energy absorption, and energy absorption efficiency reach 0.93 (MPa), 0.93 (), and 60%, respectively. 3D‐RP‐Ni‐6 improves 3D‐RP‐6 first maximum compressive strength and specific energy absorption by six times and two times, respectively. These significant improvements in the properties of these sandwich panels make these advanced materials a suitable candidate for the high strength applications.