Impact response of integrated hollow core sandwich composite panels

This paper deals with an innovative integrated hollow (space) E-glass/epoxy core sandwich composite construction that possesses several multi-function al benefits in addition to the providing lightweight and bending stiffness advantages. In comparison with traditional foam and honeycomb cores, the in tegrated space core provides a means to route wires/rods, embed electronic assemblies, and store fuel and fire-retardant foam, among other conceivable benefits. In the current work, the low-velocity impact (LVI) response of i nnovative integrated sandwich core composites was investigated. Three thick nesses of integrated and functionality-embedded E-glass/epoxy sandwich core s were considered in this study-including 6, 9 and 17 mm. The low-velocity impact results indicated that the hollow and functionality-embedded integra ted core suffered a localized damage state limited to a system of core memb ers in the vicinity of the impact. The peak forces attained under static co mpression and LVI were in accordance with Euler's column buckling equation. Stacking of the core was an effective way of improving functionality and l imiting the LVI damage in the sandwich plate. The functionality-embedded co res provided enhanced LVI resistance due to energy additional energy absorp tion mechanisms. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.