Quasi-static localized indentation tests on integrated sandwich panel of aluminum foam and epoxy resin

By carrying out quasi-static localized indentation tests, the mechanical properties and energy absorption capacity of the integrated sandwich panel of aluminum foam and epoxy resin with different immersed resin thickness, boundary conditions and indenter type were studied. It was also compared with traditional aluminum foam sandwich panel. The experiments indicated that with the increase of immersed resin thickness, the specimen's energy absorption capacity and yield load increase significantly; in the condition of fully fixed, energy absorption capacity and yield load of specimens are higher than the condition of simply supported, which have been greatly improved compared to the traditional sandwich panel; elastic modulus of specimen under cylindrical indenter is higher than specimen under square indenter, but the elastic modulus in the yield and destruction phase are highly similar to each other. The specimens maintain good stability under indentation, no peeling-off or cracking happens between the composite layer and core.