Dynamic response of metallic trapezoidal corrugated-core sandwich panels subjected to air blast loading – An experimental study

• Air-blast experiments of trapezoidal corrugated core sandwich panel were performed.
• The effects of key design parameters of panel on blast performance were identified.
• A core supporting parameter was introduced into the dimensional analysis.

The dynamic response of metallic trapezoidal corrugated core sandwich panels under air blast loading is studied by experimental investigation. The sandwich panels composed of two thin face skins and trapezoidal corrugated core, were designed and fabricated through folding and laser welding technology. The influences of the stand-off distance, face sheet thickness, core web thickness, core height and corrugation angle on the deformation/failure mechanisms and the permanent deflections of the trapezoidal corrugated core sandwich panels were investigated. Results revealed that the deflection and damage level of panel increased with the decrease of stand-off distance. The effect of front face sheet thickness on the deflection is more evident than that of the back face sheet. Increasing the core web thickness and corrugation angle improved the blast performance of panel with a lower deformation, while increasing the core height led to a larger localized deformation at the front face and a lower deflection of back face. Finally, a dimensional analysis based on the experimental results was conducted. Good agreement between the experimental data and the prediction results was obtained by introducing the stand-off parameter and the proposed core supporting parameter.