Journal of Science and Technology of Composites

Journal of Science and Technology of Composites

Low-Velocity Impact Response of Cylindrical Sandwich Shells with Metal–Fiber Laminated Faces and a Compliant Core Based on a Higher-Order Sandwich Shell Theory

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Peyvand Abbaspour
Omid Rahmani
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran.
10.22068/jstc.2026.2079990.1945
Abstract
In this study, the low-velocity impact response of a cylindrical sandwich shell with metal–fiber laminated (FML) face sheets and a compliant core is analytically investigated. The governing equations are derived using Hamilton’s principle within the framework of a higher-order sandwich shell theory and implemented in MATLAB for numerical computation. In the developed model, the face sheets are modeled based on the classical shell theory, while the displacement field of the core is described according to the three-dimensional elasticity theory without employing common simplifying assumptions. Moreover, nonlinear distributions of stresses and strains through the core thickness are incorporated as complementary relations, and both geometric nonlinearity and in-plane/out-of-plane shear deformations are included to achieve a more accurate description of the impact response. The time history of the contact force is validated against available results from previous studies, demonstrating good agreement. Furthermore, a parametric analysis is performed to assess the influence of key parameters such as the core thickness and elastic modulus, as well as the impactor mass, velocity, and radius on the impact behavior of the system. The results reveal that these parameters play a crucial role in determining the peak contact force and the overall deformation of the sandwich shells.
Keywords
Cylindrical sandwich shell,, Metal&‌‌ndash
fiber laminated (FML), Foam core, Elasticity solution, Low-velocity impac
Subjects
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Journal of Science and Technology of Composites
Volume 12, Issue 3
Autumn 2025
Pages 2839-2858