A theoretical investigation on low-velocity impact response of a curved sandwich beam

• Low-velocity impact response of a curved sandwich beam is studied.
• A new high order theory is developed for curved sandwich beams.
• A layerwise theory is applied to validate the high order results.
• The curvature angle strongly affects the impact response of curved beams.
• The effect of curvature angle is in conjunction with boundary conditions.

In this paper, two different theoretical approaches are applied to study the low-velocity impact behavior of a curved sandwich beam. At first, a new high order model is developed for curved sandwich beams. Then, the accuracy of this high order model in evaluating the dynamic response and stress results is verified by the layerwise theory. The Ritz method is used to discretize the governing equations and the Runge–Kutta numerical integration method is applied to solve the set of discretized equations. Studies show that the effect of curvature angle is in conjunction with boundary conditions. For a simply supported beam with circumferentially free ends, the contact force decreases and contact time and maximum deflection increase when the curvature angle increases. While this scenario is completely reverse for a beam with circumferentially fixed ends in which the beam becomes stiffer by increasing the curvature angle.