Low velocity impact characteristics of 3D integrated core sandwich composites

In this paper, the low velocity impact characteristics and impact damage of sandwich composites, produced at four different core thicknesses from 3-dimensional (3D) integrated sandwich fabrics, with and without foam filling, have been examined. The 3D sandwich fabrics have been produced using the same yarn and weaving densities. Thus, the impact characteristics are only affected by the core thickness and whether foam filling is used or not. Low velocity impact tests have been conducted at 32 and 48 J energy levels. The impact behavior has been determined as a function of the peak load, the energy to peak load, the time to peak load and the absorbed energy. The impact damage and the change in the compressive strength after impact have been analyzed. The findings obtained indicate that core-skin delamination on 3D sandwich composites has been fully prevented. Impact tests carried out on integrated 3D sandwich structures have shown that impact damage is limited to the vicinity of the point of impact and does not affect the integrity of the structure. This indicates that such damage can be easily repaired and the service life of the product can be sustained.