The dynamic response of sandwich panels with cellular metal cores to localized impulsive loading

The deformation/failure modes and dynamic response of peripherally clamped square monolithic and sandwich panels of localized impulsive loading were investigated experimentally by metallic foam projectile impact. The sandwich panels comprise three different types of cellular metallic cores, i.e., closed-cell aluminum foam core, open-cell aluminum foam core and aluminum honeycomb core. Experimental results show that all the sandwich panels present mainly large global inelastic deformation with obvious local compressive failure in the central area, except for those open-cell foam core sandwich panels. The dynamic response of sandwich panels is sensitive to the applied impulse and their geometrical configurations. Based on the experimental investigation, a theoretical analysis was developed to predict the dynamic response of sandwich panels by employing a comprehensive yield locus and a modified classic monolithic panel theory. A comparison of experimental results and theoretic predictions was made, and a good agreement was then found. These findings are very useful to guide the engineering applications of metallic sandwich structures for the protection purpose. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.