Assessment on Energy Absorption of Foam Core Sandwich Panels Under Low Velocity Impact

Abstract The impact resistance and energy absorption capability of lightweight sandwich panels mainly depend on the material properties and geometrical features of the core. To study the energy absorption capabilities of foam core sandwich panels, low velocity impact tests on panels with polyurethane or polystyrene foam core and aluminum facesheets are carried out. The results show that the sandwich panels with polystyrene foam core are potentially an appropriate candidate for energy absorption applications due to their high absorption capabilities and minimum response force transferred from the sandwich panel.