Low velocity impact responses of symmetric and asymmetric curved foam core sandwich panels

Abstract

This work aims to experimentally examine the effects of various fibre reinforcements and curvature on the low-speed impact load responses of curved sandwich composites. Plain woven E-glass, S-glass, carbon fibre and twill woven carbon fibre reinforcements with the same areal weight were used as face sheets and PVC foam as core material in the fabrication of sandwich composites. A low-speed impact testing apparatus including a hemispherical impactor was used to conduct low-speed impact tests at various energy levels. Impact energy levels were determined for rebound, penetration, and total perforation of the specimens. Twill woven carbon exhibited superior performance for low-velocity impact damage resistance and tolerance in comparison with plain woven carbon and glass fibres. The absorbed impact energy decreased with the asymmetrical arrangement, and the sandwich specimens with twill-woven face sheets showed the best performance among the symmetrical and asymmetrical panels.