Low-velocity impact performance of orthogonal grid reinforced CFRP-foam sandwich structure

Orthogonal grid structures, which are widely used in engineering, are incorporated into the foam to form the grid reinforced core. However, the impact resistance of this type of sandwich structure varies with position. In this paper, the low-velocity impact performance of orthogonal grid reinforced CFRP-foam sandwich structure at different positions was investigated. The drop hammer low-velocity impact tests were conducted at 30 J, 50 J and 80 J energy for the intersection, rib, and center positions, respectively, and the impact resistance of the three positions was further compared with the impact data. The test results showed that the intersection and rib exhibited fiber fracture and delamination of CFRP face and grid, as well as foam crushing and cracking. The center position showed face perforation and foam crushing. At the same impact energy, the intersection position had the strongest impact resistance, with an initial stiffness about 18 % higher than that of the rib, and their peak load per unit mass was higher than that of CFRP-foam sandwich panels, and the center was the weakest. In addition, numerical simulations were performed which were in good agreement with the tests, and the damage processes at different stages were discussed. The lightweight, high impact resistant sandwich structure proposed can provide a reference for structural design.