Low velocity localized impact study of cellular foams

This paper deals with low velocity impact behavior of two densities of ductile polyvinylchloride (PVC) foam manufactured by Divinicell. Low velocity impact tests are carried out on foam beam and panel specimens. A drop-weight rig is used to carry-out the impact tests. The test rig is equipped with a load cell connected to a data acquisition PC computer, which allows the most important dynamic and kinetic parameters, such as the contact force, load–time response, impactor velocity and energy to be measured. Post-impact creep response of the foam is also investigated. Finite element analyzes are also conducted to study the dynamic response of foam specimens subjected to a low velocity impact. The present paper contributes towards the development of a damage tolerance design approach for structural foams.