The response of clamped sandwich panels with layered-gradient aluminum foam cores to foam projectile impact

ABSTRACT

The dynamic response of clamped square sandwich panels with layered-gradient closed-cell aluminum foam cores under the impact of metallic foam projectiles is investigated. The present solutions are compared to those results of monolithic solid plates and non-graded monolithic core sandwich panels. The resistance performance of specimens to projectile impact is estimated by the maximum transient central-point deflection of back face-sheet. Results indicate that all the sandwich panels have a better shock resistance performance than the monolithic solid plate with the equivalent mass, and the resistance of sandwich panels to shock loading could be improved by utilizing the layered-gradient cores. The sandwich configuration is demonstrated to be able to effectively contribute to energy absorption and material efficiency, and the positive gradient-core configuration is the best choice in term of specific energy absorption. The strain-rate effect of face-sheet and core materials can mitigate the deformation of the back face-sheet of specimens due to its hardening effect.

KEYWORDS:

• Sandwich panels
• aluminum foam
• impact loading
• gradient core
• energy absorption

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China [11402216] and Open Foundation of State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures of China [SV2017-KF-03].