Modelling of carbon/epoxy sandwich panels with agglomerated cork core subjected to impact loads

This work studies the behaviour of sandwich panels made woven carbon/epoxy face-sheets and agglomerated cork as core material subjected to impacts at intermediate velocities, below perforation velocity panel. Agglomerated was selected an eco-friendly alternative traditional synthetic polymeric foams. A nonlinear/explicit finite element model implemented study problem. Continuous damage models were used predict intra-laminar inter-laminar evolution in face-sheets. The modelled through a hyperelastic elastomeric foam with multiaxial failure criteria. numerical validated two phases. First, face-sheet experimental data from open literature. Second, precision complete is assessed tests carried out this work. Two cases studied one when projectile does not perforate front another back face-sheet. Results show that accurately predicts transverse displacements compared DIC measurements. Additionally, can panel's penetration comparing real specimens. Finally, provides different energy absorption mechanisms during process, something possible obtain experimentally valuable tool understand phenomenon.