Low-velocity impact failure of aluminium honeycomb sandwich panels

Abstract In this paper, the failure response of aluminium sandwich panels subjected to low-velocity impact is discussed. A three-dimensional geometrically correct finite element model of the honeycomb sandwich plate and a rigid impactor was developed using the commercial software, ABAQUS. This discrete modelling approach enabled further understanding of the parameters affecting the initiation and propagation of impact damage. Strain-hardening behaviour of the aluminium alloys and the honeycomb core density were shown to affect the impact response. In addition, the impulse–momentum equation was incorporated into the energy-balance model, so that the impact force and deflection histories could be determined as well.