Low-velocity impact response and compression after impact behavior of tubular composite sandwich structures

Abstract

This work investigates the dynamic impact response of tubular composite structures with/without honeycomb sandwich core under transverse low-velocity impact (LVI) and compression after impact (CAI) test. Damage mechanisms, such as matrix cracking, delamination and fiber breakage/rupture in face sheets as well as honeycomb crushing and buckling in the core, are characterized by X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT) to understand failure processes and their relationship with core material and impactor shape. It is found that sandwich core material helps to absorb impact energy and resist localized damage formation. The benefit of core material includes greater energy absorption capability and higher specific CAI strength. The progressive damage events from damage initiation, failure propagation to final collapse of a tubular composite structure during CAI test are also further discussed.