High‐velocity impact resistance of the carbon fiber composite grid sandwich structures

Abstract The carbon fiber composite grid sandwich structure represents an innovative category of lightweight composite sandwich structures, showcasing remarkable attributes including reduced weight, high‐specific strength, exceptional specific stiffness, and robust design flexibility. Using ABAQUS, the high‐velocity impact performance of carbon fiber composite grid sandwich structure is numerically simulated. This study delved into examining the impact patterns arising from various factors, including the equivalent density, height, and geometric configuration of the core layer. Additionally, the effects of the impact punch's initial velocity, size, and impact position on the high‐speed impact resistance performance of the carbon fiber composite grid sandwich structure were explored. The fracture absorption work of the structure and the kinetic energy attenuation rate of the impact punch are positively correlated with the equivalent density, height of the structural core layer, as well as the initial velocity and dimensions of the impact punch. Notably, the square carbon fiber composite grid sandwich structure was most significantly influenced by the equivalent density of the core layer, while the mixed carbon fiber composite grid sandwich structure was most sensitive to variations in core layer height and punch size. When impacted at the intersection of the ribs, compared with the central position between the two ribs, the structure shows enhanced fracture absorption energy and greater impact kinetic energy attenuation rate. Highlights The structure was modeled based on the interlocking assembly process. The high‐velocity impact resistance of the structure was studied. Different structural parameters were designed for the core layer to study. The initial velocity, size and impact position of the punch were involved.