Low-velocity perforation behavior of composite sandwich panels with aluminum foam core

Abstract

Perforation response and failure of sandwich panels with composite face sheets and aluminum foam core are investigated experimentally in this paper. Quasi-static perforation and low-velocity impact tests are carried out by using a material test system and a drop weight machine, respectively. The load-displacement response, energy absorption and energy-absorbing effectiveness of sandwich panels are obtained and compared for quasi-static and impact tests. Effects of some key parameters on the overall energy absorption behavior of the panels are explored, such as impact energy, face sheets and core thickness, core density and indenter nose shape.