Investigation of the Effect of Core Geometry of Sandwich Panels on Their Impact Energy Absorbing Performance
AbstractSandwich panels have been widely used in several fields due to their mechanical properties. In this research, the effect of core edge curvature of sandwich panels on their impact performance was examined. In this regard, sandwich panels were modelled for seven different radius of edge curvature (0,5:1:1,5:2:2,5:3:3,5 mm). Al 2024 was used as the face-sheet and core material. Quasi-static impact analysis was carried out using Abaqus finite elements software at 1 m/s test speed and under 8 tons test load. Analysis results revealed that, the use of different edge curvature values affected the mechanical properties such as the amount of absorbed impact energy, maximum peak force and the average crushing force. In conclusion, the amount of absorbed energy increased and the peak force decreased with increasing radius of edge curvature. On the other hand, sandwich panel’s resistance against vertical loads was reduced when the change in curvature resulted in a reduction in the length of the core wall by more than 50%.