High velocity impact response of corrugated core composite sandwich structures

Abstract

The mechanisms of projectile penetration of composite sandwich panel with empty, trapezoidal corrugated cores have been experimentally investigated. The panels have been designed to investigate the influences of specific parameters, like the fiber type of corrugated core, the projectile nose shape and the stacking sequence of face-sheets, on the impact performance from the aspects of sequential deformation, failure modes and associated mechanisms. Experimental results demonstrated that usage of Twill glass fiber in corrugated core is attained highest performance in term of energy absorption and residual velocity for the fully perforated specimens. Comparisons of panels with different stacking sequences for face-sheets verify that the corrugated core composite sandwich structures with ${\left(\raisebox{1ex}{$0°$}\!\left/ \!\raisebox{-1ex}{$\mp $}\right.\raisebox{1ex}{$45°$}\!\left/ \!\raisebox{-1ex}{$90°$}\right.\right)}_s$ stacking sequence is indicated the highest energy absorption. This panel is displayed a superior resistance over the ones with other stacking sequences. The hemispherical projectile is showed no deviation from the direct line of path flight relative to the conical and blunt projectile in the high velocity impact test. Moreover, the deviation of the projectile decreases the damage area in specimens.