Low-Velocity Impact Properties of Polyurethane Composites Reinforced with Warp-Knit Spacer Fabric

Eight kinds of polyurethane (PU)-matrix composite samples were prepared by impregnating the warp-knit spacer fabrics with flexible PU foam. An impact test was carried out to investigate the influence of fabric structure parameters on the compression behaviors and energy-absorption efficiency of the composites. By using finite element (FE) analysis and ANSYS software, the unit cell models of the composites were built to simulate the impact responses and get strain-stress curves. Comparison of FE simulation and experimental curves showed good consistency between them.