Papers abstract:

In this paper, the failure response of aluminum sandwich panels subjected to low-velocity impact is discussed. A three-dimensional geometrically correct finite element model of the honeycomb sandwich plate and a rigid impactor was developed using the commercial software, ABAQUS. This discrete modelling approach enabled further understanding of the parameters affecting the initiation and propagation of impact damage. Strain-hardening behavior of the aluminum alloys and the honeycomb core density were shown to affect the impact response. In addition, the impulse–momentum equation was incorporated into the energy-balance model, so that the impact force and deflection histories could be determined as well.

Product Overview:
This tutorial explores the behavior of aluminum honeycomb sandwich structures under high-speed impact, offering a direct application of finite element methods in Abaqus. Building upon the ISI paper’s low-velocity model, this simulation adapts it for more demanding, real-world impact conditions. Key simulation steps include:

• Creating detailed honeycomb core and face sheet geometries using shell elements
• Assigning Johnson-Cook material models for high-strain-rate accuracy
• Setting up dynamic explicit steps and contact interactions
• Applying realistic impact conditions with projectile velocity and boundary constraints
• Meshing with deletion-enabled elements for damage tracking.

In this tutorial, medium to high-velocity impacts on aluminum honeycomb sandwich panels are simulated, according to data from the work of C.C. Foo et al.