Analytical and numerical investigations on the penetration of rigid projectiles into the foam core sandwich panels with aluminum face-sheets

The aim of this study was to evaluate the penetration of ballistic projectiles into the sandwich panels both analytically and numerically. Due to the complexity of the mathematical equations governing this phenomenon, very few analytical studies have been conducted in this area. Given the widespread use of sandwich panels consisting of metal face-sheets and metal foam core in aerospace industries, revisions are carried out on analytical method provided by Hoo Fatt et al. on polymer foam core and composite face-sheets sandwich panels. Then using the improved relations, the high speed impact of a cylindrical projectile on the sandwich panels with aluminum face-sheets and aluminum foam core with different density ratios has been discussed. Also, the penetration process is simulated and finally to evaluate the accuracy of the improved analytical method and simulations, the results are compared to the experimental data obtained from tests have been done on the panels with aluminum foam core and aluminum face-sheets. Results of the research show that the improved procedure and numerical simulations are in good agreement with the experiments.