Low-velocity Impact Damage of Foam-core Sandwich T-joints: Numerical Study

Abstract

T-joint has an important function in the lightweight structure to connect and transfer loading from one component to the other component. Failure analysis of the T-joint is necessary to obtain the optimum geometry. Since experiments require complex preparation and large costs, numerical modeling is needed to reduce the number of experiments that must be carried out. Numerical modeling in this study was performed to observe the failure modes of foam-core sandwich T-joint under low velocity impact loading. Three failure modes were considered in the current model: delamination, core crushing, and core shearing. To capture these failure modes, traction-separation response and ductile damage were implemented in the adhesive layer and foam material, respectively. The validation process was carried out by comparing the simulation results with experimental results from the literature. The simulation results showed similar failure modes as the experimental results from the literature, which confirms that the parameters used in the current numerical were accurate.