High-speed axial impact of aluminum honeycomb – Experiments and simulations

This paper presents some significant research results about velocity sensitivity of aluminum honeycomb under high-speed axial impact in a velocity range from 20 to 80 m/s. Series experiments were carried out with the help of self-developed high-speed impact system. Afterwards, corresponding numerical simulation works as well as some parametric studies were conducted. The resultant comparison told out that the plateau stress increases markedly when impact below 30 m/s, but slowly when impact at a velocity various from 30 to 80 m/s. Before the parametric studies, inertial effect in various impact masses was investigated. Comparison between parametric results showed that the promotion on Specific Load and energy-absorbing capability increases with the impact velocity for various honeycombs. Density also has a great influence on Specific Load. The higher honeycomb density is, the greater amplitude performs. The energy absorption diagram for honeycomb with different geometric configurations reveals the relationship between dynamic plane stress and energy per unit volume, and also proves the promotion with increasing of impact velocity.