Curved Polymeric Sandwich Composites Subjected to Air Shock: An Experimental Investigation

Abstract

Background: The vulnerability of polymeric composite sandwich structures in marine applications to air explosions highlights a significant gap in our understanding of the dynamic behavior of the curved sandwich structures, which is essential for design improvements. Objective: This study aims to explore the dynamic response and failure mechanisms of curved sandwich composite panels subjected to air-blast loading, providing insights into their structural integrity under such conditions. Methods: Experiments were performed using laboratory-simulated air shocks generated by a shock tube, employing high-speed photography and digital image correlation to measure deflections on the back surface of the panels. The panels, made with PVC closed-cell foam cores of two densities (H45 and H130), were tested across three curved geometries (radii of 112 mm, 305 mm, and infinity) under various boundary conditions. Results: Findings indicate an increase in deformation with a decreased radius of curvature under simple support conditions, a trend that reverses under arrested displacement conditions. Moreover, a reduced radius significantly enhances panel strength and resistance to interfacial damage, with the primary failure mode transitioning from core shear cracking to interfacial debonding as core density increases. Conclusions: The study reveals that the radius of curvature, boundary conditions, and core density significantly affect curved sandwich panels’ dynamic response and performance. Panels with smaller radii and higher core densities exhibit increased strength, though boundary conditions introduce variable effects on deformation behavior.