Impact resistance performance of metallic sandwich panels under low velocity impact

Tests, finite element simulations and theoretical analysis were performed here to study the impact resistance performance of metallic sandwich panels under low velocity impact. Firstly, the dynamic performance and damage situation of metallic sandwich panels under dropping hammer impact were analyzed with tests. Finite element method was used to simulate tests, and the applicability of finite element analysis was verified. Then, the total potential energy of the system was established with local deformation potential energy and external force work. The relationship between the concentrated force and local deformation was also obtained. The cracking impact force of the sandwich panels was obtained taking the tensile fracture of face sheets as the failure condition. Finally, the finite element model was established to calculate the cracking impact force of the panels, and the results were compared with those using the formula. It was shown that the cracking impact force of the panels increases with increase in strength and thickness of the face sheets, hammer radius and cracking strain, but hammer mass, strength and thickness of the core have little effect on the cracking impact force.