Numerical modelling of perforation resistance of foam-based sandwich panels

This paper describes the findings of a combined experimental/numerical study on the perforation resistance of sandwich structures. The impact response of sandwich panels based on PVC foam cores has been evaluated by determining the energy to perforate the panels. The dynamic response of the sandwich structures was predicted using the finite element analysis package Abaqus/Explicit. The validated FE models were used to study the impact response of sandwich panels subjected to pressure differential conditions, which includes sandwich panels supported on an aqueous support and equivalent to pressure difference at a flight altitude. The models were also used to investigate the effect of oblique loading. Low velocity impact testing has shown that the energy to perforate the sandwich panels is dependent on the properties of the core. It is interesting to note that the 'wet' panels offer a lower resistance to perforation than their dry counterparts. It has been shown that sandwich panels impacted at high altitude offer a similar perforation resistance to those tested at sea level. Finally, it is evident that the perforation energy increases with impact angle.