Impact analysis of thick cylindrical sandwich panels with foam core subjected to single and multi-mass impacts

This paper aims to study the impact analysis of a composite sandwich panel with a flexible foam core subjected to low-velocity impact loading by using a Finite element (FE) model in ABAQUS/CAE software. Impact damage remains a major concern for all structural components; that create internal damage and reduced the structural strength of the structure. Very few multiple-mass impact studies have been done on the composite sandwich panel. In the present work, the formulation was based on first-order shear deformation theory is used to develop the model. Impacts were done over the top of the face sheet with different velocities and impact masses. The numerical model is verified by the literature experimental one. Good agreements in terms of contact-force histories and deformation of the sandwich panel. Once results are validated for a single impact, furthermore, the study has extended to multi-mass impact analysis with varying velocities of the impactor. Comparison of various parameters such as contact force, deformation, and Von-Mises stress results are reported. Comparisons of responses are shown for cylindrical sandwich panel with flexible core were studied and reported.