Characterization of the mechanical energy absorption of honeycomb core sandwich panels filled with shear thickening fluid under low speed impact

The present research investigates the energy absorption of honeycomb core sandwich panels (HCSP) loaded with shear thickening fluid (STF) with different structural parameters at various impact velocities. The HCSP was aluminum, and the skin was constructed of different materials: (i) aluminum, (ii) glass-epoxy composite (GEC), and (iii) STF-impregnated fabric (STF/fabric) with a weight fraction of 15% silica particles. The experiment tests were carried out at 100 mm and 500 mm falling heights. Specific energy absorption HCSP/SF/S compared to HCSP/Al/S and HCSP/G/S increased by 6 47.49% and 23.04%, respectively. According to the results, the energy absorption of skin made of impregnated fabric is better than skin made of aluminum and composite. When the STF is under a high shear rate, the flow changes because of hydrocluster formation and changing the molecular structure from “order” to “disorder.” These changes increase the viscosity notably, causing the STF to become a solid material, resulting in energy absorption.