An experimental investigation on low-velocity impact response of a novel corrugated sandwiched composite structure

This research is geared towards the improvement of the dynamic response of the corrugated sandwiched composite structures under low-velocity impact. A novel glass fibre reinforced double-corrugated sandwiched composite (DCSC) structure was designed and was manufactured by using a vacuum assisted resin infusion (VARI) technique. The lattice core of the DCSC was formed by crosslinked composites as reinforced layers and PVC foam blocks as energy absorption components. The dynamic response of the proposed sandwiched composite structures on different locations was evaluated through low-velocity drop-weight impact tests and was compared to that of traditional single-corrugated sandwiched composite (SCSC) structures. Finally, the optical microscopy and µ-CT technique were utilized to explore failure mechanisms and damage affected zone within the specimens. The results indicated that the maximum impact load and the energy absorption capability before the structural failure of the DSCS structure were significantly improved combined with a lower indentation comparing to the traditional SCSC configuration only with a slight weight increase. No severe damage was observed given low impact energy. Fibre fracture, foam rupture and face-to-foam debonding became dominant while the energy was increased.