Low velocity impact responses of symmetric and asymmetric curved foam core sandwich panels

This work aims to experimentally examine the effects of various fibre reinforcements and curvature on the low-speed impact load responses of curved sandwich composites. Plain woven E-glass, S-glass, carbon fibre and twill woven carbon fibre reinforcements with the same areal weight were used as face sheets and PVC foam as core material in the fabrication of sandwich composites. A low-speed impact testing apparatus including a hemispherical impactor was used to conduct low-speed impact tests at various energy levels. Impact energy levels were determined for rebound, penetration, and total perforation of the specimens. Twill woven carbon exhibited superior performance for low-velocity impact damage resistance and tolerance in comparison with plain woven carbon and glass fibres. The absorbed impact energy decreased with the asymmetrical arrangement, and the sandwich specimens with twill-woven face sheets showed the best performance among the symmetrical and asymmetrical panels.