Effect of core layer parameters on the mechanical properties of biomimetic foamed silicone rubber sandwich structures against low-velocity impact

In this paper, a red-eared slider turtle is used as a prototype for the bionic design of the foamed silicone rubber sandwich structure, and the effect of core layer parameters on the low-velocity impact resistance of the foamed silicone rubber sandwich structure is studied by the finite element method. A numerical model with porosity of the foamed silicone rubber intrinsic model and a three-dimensional Hashin fiber plate damage model were used to verify the validity of the model in comparison with the test. On this basis, finite element simulations were performed by varying the core layer density and thickness. The results show that from the perspective of energy absorption, the sandwich structure has better impact resistance with core density of 750 kg/m3∼850 kg/m3 and core thickness of 20 mm–25 mm; from the perspective of structural lightweight requirements, the sandwich structure is more in line with the structural lightweight requirements with core density of 550 kg/m3∼650 kg/m3 and core thickness of 5 mm–10 mm. Therefore, the adoption of suitable core density and thickness is of great significance to the engineering practice.