Perforation of Sandwich Panels with Honeycomb Cores by Hemispherical Nose Projectiles

Abstract

Analytical models for the static and low-velocity perforation of composite sandwich panel with woven E-glass/epoxy prepreg facesheets and aluminum honeycomb core are developed. The analytical models are based on a set of experimental results. A three-stage perforation process involving consecutive failures of top facesheet, core, and bottom facesheet is proposed. The analytical predictions of static failure loads and deformation are within 10 and 8% of the test data, respectively. The predicted ballistic limit is within 10% of the test data, while the total energy dissipated at the ballistic limit is within 18% of the test results.