A theoretical study of low-velocity impact of geometrically asymmetric sandwich beams

• Low-velocity impact response of geometrically asymmetrical sandwich beams is studied.
• The analytical model for combined local denting and overall bending is developed.
• The analytical model captures numerical results reasonably.

This paper uses the quasi-static method to investigate plastic behavior of fully clamped geometrical asymmetric sandwich beams with a metal foam core subjected to low-velocity impact. An analytical model is developed to predict the dynamic response of the geometrically asymmetric sandwich beams. Effects of local denting and core strength on the overall bending are considered. Good agreement is achieved between the analytical predictions and numerical results. It is demonstrated that the asymmetric sandwich beams with asymmetric factor α > 1 have the larger energy absorption than those with asymmetric factor 0 < α < 1.