Analytical, numerical and experimental investigation of low velocity impact response of laminated composite sandwich plates using extended high order sandwich panel theory

The Nonlinear dynamic response of a sandwich plate subjected to the low velocity impact is theoretically and experimentally investigated. The Hertz law between the impactor and the plate is taken into account. Using the Extended High Order Sandwich Panel Theory (EHSAPT) and the Ritz energy method, the governing equations are derived. The skins follow the Third order shear deformation theory (TSDT) that has hitherto not reported in conventional EHSAPT. Besides, the three dimensional elasticity is used for the core. The nonlinear Von Karman relations for strains of skins and the core are adopted. Time domain solution of such equations is extracted by means of the well-known fourth-order Runge-Kutta method. The effects of core-to-skin thickness ratio, initial velocity of the impactor, the impactor mass and position of the impactor are studied in detail. It is found that these parameters play significant role in the impact force and dynamic response of the sandwich plate. Finally, some low velocity impact tests have been carried out by Drop Hammer Testing Machine. The results are compared with experimental data acquired by impact testing on sandwich plates as well as the results of finite element simulation.