Dynamic failure of ceramic particle reinforced foam-filled composite lattice core

Abstract The ceramic particle reinforced foam-filled carbon fiber reinforced composites sandwich unit cell subjected to quasi-static and dynamic compressions are studied experimentally. The weight fraction of the ceramic particle is discussed to analyze its effect on the failure and energy absorption of the composite cells. The results show that the failure modes and energy absorption mechanisms of the cell are influenced significantly by the strain rate and ceramic particle reinforcement effects. The cluster of the particle makes the strut experience node failure under impulsive loadings, not the strut buckling and fracture shown at other cells. The mechanical property, especially the plateau stress, is enhanced noticeably as the foam is reinforced with the higher weight fraction of ceramic particles. The filling foams improve the impact resistance of the cells by transmitting less impulses and absorbing more energy. With a higher energy absorption efficiency, the foam-filled cell with higher weight fraction of ceramic particle has the highest energy absorption capacity under the quasi-static compression. Under the impulsive loading, the increasing ceramic particles can reduce the transmitted impulse, but cannot absorb additional energy.