The Low-Velocity Impact Response of Sandwich Panels

Abstract

The low velocity impact response of sandwich panels at different energy levels has been investigated by conducting drop-weight impact tests using an instrumented falling-weight impact tower. Impact parameters like maximum impact force and the extent of the damage were evaluated and compared for different types of sandwich panels. Finite elements simulations have been undertaken using the LS-DYNA software; the results of FE simulations have a good agreement with the experiments. It shows that, the impact force increased with thickness of face-sheets and foam core, the extent of the damage increased with the impact energy, sandwich panels with steel face sheet has a good impact resistance in comparison with sandwich panel with aluminum face sheets.