Dynamic response of sandwich spherical shell with graded metallic foam cores subjected to blast loading

• Published in: Composites. Part A, Applied science and manufacturing Vol. 56; pp. 262 - 271
• Main Authors: Li, Shiqiang, Wang, Zhihua, Wu, Guiying, Zhao, Longmao, Li, Xin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: A. Foams; absorption; aluminum; Applied sciences; B. Impact behaviour; C. Numerical analysis; composite materials; deformation; energy; Exact sciences and technology; finite element analysis; foams; Fractures; Graded cellular material; Mechanical properties and methods of testing. Rheology. Fracture mechanics. Tribology; Metals. Metallurgy; C. Numerical analysis; B. Impact behaviour; Graded cellular material; A. Foams; Sandwich structure; Theoretical study; Mechanical properties; Aluminium; Compressive strength; Density; Modeling; Spherical shell; Finite element method; Impact strength; Metal foam; Blast wave; Numerical simulation; Energy absorption
• ISSN: 1359-835X; 1878-5840
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2013.10.019

Finite element simulations were conducted to investigate the dynamic responses of metallic sandwich spherical shells with graded aluminum foam cores under inner blast loading. The deformation of spherical shells, the energy absorption of each core layer, and the propagation characteristic of stress waves in the foam core layers were analyzed and discussed. The spherical shells exhibited an overall inflation–deformation mode as the foam cores were compressed gradually. The arrangement of the core layers with different relative densities had significant effects on the dynamic plastic responses of the spherical shells. The core layer arrangements of 15%–20%–10% and 20%–15%–10% (relative densities) from inside to outside demonstrate the optimal resistance to blast loading.