On the dynamic response of sandwich panels with different core set-ups subject to global and local blast loads

The recent increase in blast and impact threats has led to an emerging interest in sandwich structures due to their superior performance in such loading environments. The optimised architecture of this class in conjunction with additional benefits of high strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios vital to weight-sensitive military applications has led to numerous research works on the topic. In this study, the dynamic response of four circular sandwich panel constructions with different core designs under global and local blast loading conditions has been investigated. Numerical finite element (FE) models have been set up to study the effect of additional core interlayers on blast resistance enhancement of these sandwich panels. The objectives are (1) to assess the existing blast resistance capacity, (2) to increase the dynamic energy absorption, (3) to improve the stress distribution through plastic deformation, and (4) to ensure sacrificial damage to the additional core layers; hence, to avoid the main part of the core being damaged by excessive shear deformation, the dominant failure mode in conventional sandwich panels. A ductile elastomeric layer of polyurea, and a fairly compressible Divinycell-H200 foam layer have been selected as the additional core interlayers, and they have been placed in different arrangements to improve the overall blast resistance of the standard sandwich panel with glass-fibre-reinforced plastic (GFRP) face-sheets, and balsawood core. Dynamic explicit FE analyses were carried out using the commercial package ABAQUS 6.9-1. Comparison of specific kinetic and strain energies shows the effect of additional core layers on the blast energy absorption of a sandwich system. The study shows the improvement in shear failure prevention of the core as a result of the use of additional core layers and a reduction in the level of kinetic and strain energies in the protected core in both absolute and relative terms. The stress contours show a smoother stress distribution in enhanced cases. These conclusions are confirmed and explained by using a qualitative two-degree-of-freedom system with an elastic–viscoplastic spring element representing the integral effects of sacrificial additional core interlayers and a nonlinear spring representing the stiffness of the conventional sandwich system and comparing the results of dynamic analysis with a similar qualitative single-degree-of-freedom model of a conventional sandwich panel.

► The dynamic response of four sandwich panels with different core designs is investigated.
► Polyurea and Divinycell layers are selected as the additional core interlayers.
► Specific kinetic and strain energies show the improvement to energy absorption.
► By using extra core layers the balsawood core is protected in a blast scenario.
► The qualitative models proposed explain the integral effects of sacrificial layers.