Compression After Impact Experiments on Thin Face Sheet Honeycomb Core Sandwich Panels

Authors:
  • TMThomas D. McQuigg
    Thomas D. McQuigg
  • RKRakesh K. Kapania
    Rakesh K. Kapania
  • SSStephen J. Scotti
    Stephen J. Scotti
  • SWSandra P. Walker
    Sandra P. Walker
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Abstract
Experiments have been used to study the compression after impact of thin face-sheet composite honeycomb core sandwich panels. The sandwich panels consist of very thin, woven S2-fiberglass face sheets adhered to a Nomex honeycomb core. Two sets of coupons were tested; they were identical, except one set contained a 3 lb/ft3 density core, and the other contained a heavier 6 lb/ft3 density core. Static indentation and low-velocity impact using a drop tower were used to study damage formation in these materials with energy levels up to 9 ft-lb (foot-pounds). A series of highly instrumented compression after impact tests was then completed. New techniques for studying the response and failure include high-speed video photography as well as digital image correlation for the full-field deformation measurement. Two failure modes were observed. It is concluded that the failure mode of these materials depends solely on the honeycomb core density of the coupon, with the lighter density core experiencing an indenta...