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Journal of Polymer & Composites Original Research Special issue

Low Velocity Impact Behaviour of Corrugated Foam Sandwich Panel

  1. Dhanushree S. Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science
  2. Santhosh Kumar R C. Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science
  3. Vunnam Karthik Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science
  4. Mudaliar Kavitha Ravichandran Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science
  5. R. SanthanaKrishnan Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science
  6. Vinyojita M Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science

Abstract

Composite sandwich structures, renowned for their high flexural stiffness and low weight, are widely used across industries such as aerospace, automotive, and marine. However, their durability can be compromised by impact-related damages, which affect both the core and face sheets. This study explores the performance of corrugated sandwich panels compared to conventional designs under low-velocity impacts. Using a drop weight impact testing machine, panels made from polyurethane foam cores and various fibre face sheets (Glass, Kevlar, Carbon) were tested at energies ranging from 15 to 45 Joules. Results indicated that corrugated panels exhibited significantly higher peak forces and energy absorption capacities than conventional counterparts, especially in Kevlar and carbon configurations. For instance, the corrugated Kevlar panel reached peak forces exceeding 3000 N at lower energy levels, while the conventional variant peaked at around 1000 N. Similar trends were observed in glass and carbon panels, with corrugated designs consistently outperforming in impact resistance. These findings underscore the potential for enhanced structural performance and sustainability through the adoption of corrugated core designs in composite sandwich constructions, suggesting a promising direction for future material innovation in engineering applications.

Keywords

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