Penetration Depth of Closed-Cell Aluminum Foam Sandwich Structures under Low Velocity Impact

Abstract

In this paper, the response of closed-cell aluminum foam sandwich structures under low velocity impact of an ogival-ended mild steel projectile was studied. An analytical model was proposed to predict the penetration depth as well as residual velocity based on the dynamic cavity expansion theory and the Poncelet resistance formula using in the closed-cell aluminum foam sandwich panel. A high-pressure air gun was employed to execute penetration depth tests. Two tests had been done and the results were measured, those are, the residual velocity of the first layer (aluminum plate) and the penetration depth of the sandwich panel. Simultaneously, the finite element analysis software LS-DYNA was utilized for describing the penetrating process of steel projectiles normal impact. It was found that both residual velocity and penetration depth showed nonlinear variation against impact velocity, also the analytical results showed acceptable deviation with those from tests and FEM simulations during specific impact velocities.