Numerical Study of Low-Velocity Impact Response of a Fiber Composite Honeycomb Sandwich Structure

Abstract

Engineering applications for honeycomb sandwich structures (HSS) are well recognized. Heterogeneous structures have been created using polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material, glass fiber-reinforced PEEK (GF-PEEK), and carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK (CF-PEEK) to further enhance the load-carrying capacity, stiffness, and impact resistance of HSS. In this study, we investigated the low-velocity impact response of HSS using numerical simulation. Our findings demonstrate that the choice of construction material significantly affects the impact resistance and structural stability of the HSS. We found that using fiber-reinforced PEEK significantly enhances the impact resistance of the overall structure, with GF-PEEK identified as the more appropriate face sheet material for the composite HSS based on a comparative study of load–displacement curves. Analysis of the plastic deformation of the honeycomb core, in combination with the stress and strain distribution of the composite HSS after low-velocity impact, indicates that CF-PEEK face sheets cause more noticeable damage to the core, resulting in evident plastic deformation. Additionally, we discovered that the use of fiber-reinforced materials effectively reduces deflection during low-velocity dynamic impact, particularly when both the face sheet and honeycomb core of the HSS are composed of the same fiber-reinforced PEEK material. These results provide valuable insights into the design and optimization of composite HSS for impact resistance applications.

Numerical Investigation on Anti-Explosion Performance of Non-Metallic Annular Protective Structures

“…The structure of the PE fiber after loading is shown in Figure 2, which included various failure modes such as ply splitting, bucking, and fiber matrix de-bonding, etc. Hence, adding a cushioning material in front of the fiber layer was a viable way to reduce structural damage [15][16][17][18][19]. Karagiozova et al [15] analyzed the deformation mechanism of FML (Fiber-metal laminate) based on the composition of glass fiber panels and aluminum panels under blast loading.…”

On Impact Damage and Repair of Composite Honeycomb Sandwich Structures

“…Composite honeycomb sandwich panels are widely used in the primary and secondary load-bearing structural elements of aircrafts by virtue of their superior properties such as high specific strength, high specific stiffness, and strong instability resistance [1]. However, it is easier to cause panel depression, delamination, core debonding, and even perforation damage when composite honeycomb sandwich structures are impacted by external objects in service [2][3][4][5][6]. In addition, the cost of resin matrix composites used in aircraft manufacturing is usually expensive.…”