Correlation Between Quasi-Static and Impact Behaviour of Sandwich Structures

The use of full-metal sandwich structures in transportation industry represents a promising way to address key challenges such as weight reduction, improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and use of more sustainable materials. This research evaluates the possibility of replacing common marine sandwich structures with aluminium honeycomb sandwich structures (AHS) with equal flexural stiffness. As aluminium is a versatile, environmentally friendly and recyclable material, AHS structures are one of the most promising solutions. Quasi-static perforation (QS) and low-velocity impact (LVI) tests carried out with a conical indenter and allowed the crashworthiness assessment of the analysed materials. The crashworthiness of the structures was evaluated by calculating the total energy absorption (TEA) and specific energy absorption (SEA). Comparisons were performed between the energy absorption capacity of AHS and conventional sandwich structures (GFRP-PVC and GFRP-balsa). The results of the research activity show that aluminium sandwich structures are valid alternatives, in terms of energy absorption properties, to the composite structures currently used in the transport industry.