A scaling procedure for the shock characteristic of aluminum foam sandwich panels

Abstract

A structural similitude is introduced for the assessment of the vibration characteristics inherent to aluminum foam sandwich (AFS) panels. Scaling law for the natural frequency is fitted by neural network and transition models. The findings derived from both numerical simulations and experimental investigations indicate that the method put forth demonstrates superior efficacy compared to the conventional similitude theory utilized in governing equations. Additionally, a novel approach termed Similitudes based on Virtual Mode and Statistical Energy (SVMSE) is put forward to anticipate the shock response of AFS panels, incorporating similarity criteria for more accurate re-modulation. The numerical findings indicate that impact scenarios across various structures exhibit dynamic similarity, demonstrating identical vibration responses regardless of variations in size, impact duration, and amplitude. The results of the impact test on AFS panels indicate that the acceleration response and shock response spectrum (SRS) can be effectively scaled to extrapolate the behavior of the prototype, even in the presence of incomplete similarity. The anticipated similitude laws are expected to assist researchers in minimizing both costs and risks associated with experimental investigations.