Modelling impact response of agglomerated cork

•Presents an easy and straightforward way to model a complex material like cork.•Perfect modeling of material relaxation after loading.•Dynamic and static modelling.•Experimental and numerical results in agreement.•Show the tremendous potential of cork material to impact applications.

Cellular materials have been intensively used in engineering applications where a good energy absorption capability is a desired feature. Cork is a natural cellular material capable of absorbing considerable amounts of energy. When compared to synthetic cellular materials, cork also appears as a sustainable alternative, once it is fully recyclable. The purpose of this work is to simulate cork’s compressive behaviour when subjected to impact, including the material’s relaxation after dynamic compression. This study comprises experimental and numerical tests at quasi-static and dynamic strain rates under axial compressive loading. Numerical simulations are performed using Finite Element Analysis, and the material model developed is validated against experimental results. After validation, a dynamic test resorting to a drop tower is carried out successfully validating the model and representing adequately cork’s mechanical behaviour under dynamic compressions.