Nonlinear low-velocity impact of graphene platelet-reinforced metal foam beam with geometrical imperfection

The impact problem of imperfect beams is crucial in engineering fields such as water conservancy and transportation. In this paper, the low velocity impact of graphene reinforced metal foam beams with geometric defects is studied for the first time. Firstly, an improved Hertz contact theory is adopted to construct an accurate model of the contact force during the impact process, while establishing the initial conditions of the system. Subsequently, the classical theory was used to model the defective beam, and the motion equation was derived using Hamilton's principle. Then, the Galerkin method is applied to discretize the equation, and the Runge Kutta method is used for numerical analysis to obtain the dynamic response curve. Finally, convergence validation and comparison with existing literature are conducted. In addition, a detailed analysis was conducted on the sensitivity of various parameters, including graphene sheet (GPL) distribution pattern and mass fraction, porosity distribution type and coefficient, geometric dimensions of the beam, damping, prestress, and initial geometric defects of the beam. The results revealed a strong inhibitory effect of initial geometric defects on the impact response of beams.