Finite element modelling of low velocity impact of composite sandwich panels

This paper outlines a finite element procedure for predicting the behaviour under low velocity impact of sandwich panels consisting of brittle composi te skins supported by a ductile core. The modelling of the impact requires a dynamic analysis that can also handle nonlinearities caused by large defl ections, plastic deformation of the core and in-plane degradation of the co mposite skins. Metal honeycomb, frequently used as a core material, is anis otropic and requires a non-standard approach in the elasto-plastic part of the analysis. A suitable yield criteria based on experimental observations is proposed. Comparisons of experimental and finite element responses are s hown for sandwich panels with carbon fibre skins and aluminium honeycomb co res. Crown Copyright (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.