A COMPARISON OF LOW ENERGY IMPACT BEHAVIOUR IN ALUMINIUM FOAM AND POLYMER FOAM SANDWICH STRUCTURES

摘要

Energy absorption of polymer and aluminum foam sandwich structures with glass-fibre composite skins was similar for 5-25J impacts. The polymer foam structure exhibited localized fibre fracture and core crushing as impact energy increased. The aluminum foam structure exhibited extensive plastic deformation, radiating from the impact point, at all impact energies.